Greco di Tufo comes from a small area of northern Irpinia, in the province of Avellino, around the village of Tufo and seven other municipalities: Altavilla Irpina, Chianche, Montefusco, Petruro Irpino, Prata di Principato Ultra, Santa Paolina and Torrioni. The clay and limestone soils are crossed by veins of sulphur, which was mined here until the twentieth century, and the vineyards lie between 400 and 650 metres. The DOC dates from 1970, the DOCG from 2003.
The regulations require at least 85% Greco, with the rest from Coda di Volpe. Besides the dry version there is a traditional-method sparkling wine and, for some years now, a Riserva with longer ageing. Minimum alcohol is 11.5 degrees.
It is a full-bodied white, deep straw yellow, with aromas of apricot, peach and almond and a savouriness that recalls the soil it comes from. It holds up well for a few years in bottle and at the table goes with baked fish, shellfish, buffalo mozzarella and fresh cheeses.
