A Journey into the Mezzogiorno: Rediscovering Southern Italy - All Stores

A Journey into the Mezzogiorno: Rediscovering Southern Italy

For the last half-century, the wines of Southern Italy have taken a backseat to Tuscany and Piedmont. Yet wines like Taurasi, Greco di Tufo, and Negramaro, when in the right hands, can compete with the best in the world.

Nestled in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, Campania produced the most highly valued wines in the Roman empire for nearly a Millennium. In the centuries since, the surrounding land was ravaged by wars and conquest. Controlled at various times by the Normans, the Spanish, the Holy Roman Empire, and Napoleon, the distinct histories and geographic differences between Campania, Calabria, and Puglia produce an astonishing array of amazing wines.

Mired in poverty for generations, wine production declined. Antonio Mastroberardino arrived on the scene in the 1970s and set out to revive the region. He led a wave of young winemakers that took advantage of affordable land and old vineyards to make some exceptional wines that continue to be some of the best values in Italy.

We’ll explore a range of styles, including Taurasi, known as the “Barolo of the South” (Though Campanians would probably tell you that Barolo is the “Taurasi of the North”).  We’ll also taste through a range of wines that will be perfect with your spring and summer menus, or warm nights on the lake or back patio.  Let us whisk you off to old Napoli and help you find wines that will have you exclaiming “That’s Amore!”

Wines to be tasted:

2022 Li Veli Rosso Passamante Negroamaro
2023 Produttori Vini Manduria "Alice" Verdeca Salento
2022 Schola Sarmenti Critera Primitivo

2021 Tavognano Rosso Piceno Cervidiori
2023 Casa Vinicola Setaro Campanelle Campania IGT Falanghina
Feudi di San Gregorio Piano di Montevergin Taurasi 2014

2021 COS Cerasuolo Rosso
2020 Terrazze Dell'Etna Ciuri Nerello Mascalese
Santadi Carignano del Sulcis Riserva Rocca Rubia 2019