The Aversa DOC covers the plain between the provinces of Caserta and Naples, in the Aversa countryside of Campania. The area includes the whole territory of Aversa, Carinaro, Casal di Principe, Casaluce, Casapesenna, Cesa, Frignano, Gricignano di Aversa, Lusciano, Orta di Atella, Parete, San Cipriano d'Aversa, San Marcellino, Sant'Arpino, Succivo, Teverola, Trentola Ducenta, Villa di Briano and Villa Literno, together with Giugliano, Qualiano and Sant'Antimo. It is an appellation devoted to a single white grape, Asprinio, recognised by the decree of 31 July 1993. The surface is small: about 36 hectares, with an output of 575 hectolitres.
One grape, two wines
The production rules provide for two styles. The Bianco requires at least 85% Asprinio, with other authorised non-aromatic white grapes for the rest. The Spumante is made from Asprinio alone. Minimum alcohol is 10.5%, a low figure that already says a lot about the style: light wines that do not look for power.
Asprinio gives a pale straw-coloured white, with aromas of citrus, green apple and herbs, and high acidity. On the palate it is dry and slender, with a fresh, slightly bitter finish. The bubbles bring out its liveliness, and the Spumante is the most direct way to get to know the grape.
How to drink it
These are not wines for long ageing: the rules set no minimum ageing period, and they show their best in the first years, while the freshness is intact. Serve it cool but not ice-cold, to leave room for the aromas.
At the table
The acidity of Asprinio calls for fried food, buffalo mozzarella, pizza, seafood and pasta with vegetables; the Spumante works well as an aperitif. In the same province of Caserta, further north, lies the Falerno del Massico DOC; towards the coast, west of Naples, the Campi Flegrei DOC.
