GRECO DI TUFO D.O.C.G.

Without doubt, the Greco di Tufo is the oldest grape variety in the Avellino area. It was imported from the Greek region of Thessaly by the Pelasgian peoples.
A confirmation of the millennial origin of the Greco di Tufo wine was provided by the discovery of a fresco at Pompeii, traced in the 1st century BC. A brief poetical inscription was added to the fresco, apparently by a frustrated lover: "You are truly cold, Bytis, made of ice, if last night not even Greco wine could warm you up."
Among many legends concerning wine, the province of Avellino can even boast of one miracle involving the beverage. According to the story, San Guglielmo of Vercelli emulated the miracle of the Marriage of Cana in turning water to wine at Bonito.

The Greco variety was originally cultivated on the slopes of Vesuvius, where it was given the name Lacryma Christi. It was later planted in the province of Avellino, where it was given the denomination Greco di Tufo. The refined personality of the wine is in sharp contrast with the wild nature of the Irpinia, where it is made. It is an expression of the natural gentleness of the inhabitants of the district, who have made it, through their dedication and with all simplicity, one of the leading centers of Italian winemaking.

THE WINE OF ANCIENT ROMANS

The name derives from that of a small town called Tufo in the Southern Italian province of Avellino, a town in the heart of an area largely dominated by the production of grapes for this celebrated wine of the Campania region (approx. 360m above sea level).

This wine is pale yellow to yellow in color with a characteristic, quite pleasant fruity nose and a well balanced and dry palate.

The product of a very ancient variety that according to experts originated in Greece, Thessaly to be exact, it was probably brought to Italy at the turn of the 6th century B.C. The ancient Romans were particularly fond of it and it is mentioned in classical literature, as well as in several inscriptions found on frescoes at Pompei, concrete testimony of a popularity that has survived the trials of time.

To celebrate the memory of such grandeur, each year in September the small Irpinia town organises a grand fête in honour of its most renowned local product. This event also provides an opportunity to taste all the local wines. Tufo, incidentally, is one of the Città' del Vino (Wine Towns), one of 434 municipal councils that make up the Città' del Vino association, set up to promote the eternal union between wine and country throughout Italy.

Its characteristics make Greco di Tufo an excellent wine to accompany fish-based first courses, like spaghetti with lobster and artichokes, but its great structure lso allows it to be served with white meat and cold platters in general. Not forgetting what a pleasant aperitif it makes, served at approximately 10°C and opened just before serving.

Irpinia deserves to be known not just for its cuisine, celebrated with several festivals, but for its wines too, of which one at least deserves special mention: Taurasi (DOCG, Aglianico variety 85-100%)

Our Greco is pale yellow in color with a pleasant fruity nose. Well-balanced and dry, this wine accompanies white meats and cold platters in general and is an excellent accompaniment for fish-based first courses like spaghetti with lobster and artichokes. Also, its versatile structure allows it to be a pleasant aperitif when thoroughly chilled and opened just before serving.
Area of Production: Hills of Irpinia (Campania-Italy)
Location of Vineyards: 350 Slm
Grape: 100% Greco
Nature of Soil: Clayey and calcareous
Vineyard Exposure: Southwest

Vintage Time: Last ten days of October
Winemaking: Soft pressing and delestage
Fermentation: Under controlled temperature
Refinement: Steel container and in bottle

Alcoholic Content: 12.5% Alc. by Vol.
Sugar Residue: Traces
Total Acidity: 5,50 grams per liter
Dry Extract: 31,00

Bottling: Historical Bordelaise and natural cork
Characteristics: Pale yellow color; pleasant fruity, flowery nose with hints of truffle; full-bodied, dry and well balanced with a rich, lingering finish
Serving Temperature: 9°C or 49°F
Preferred Serving: Medium glass