The Field Guide
Southern Italy
Italy's forgotten quarter, where the vines are older than the famous north and the prices haven't caught up. Volcanic hills, ancient bush vines and grapes most drinkers can't yet name.
The mainland south · eight appellations
Southern Italy
The history
The Greeks called it Oenotria — the land of trained vines. Aglianico and Greco have been here since before Rome; the fame drained north with the money.
The land
Extinct volcanoes in Campania and Basilicata, hot limestone plains across Puglia's heel — heat tempered by altitude where the best grapes hide.
Wine styles
Structured, ageworthy Aglianico from Taurasi and Vulture; mineral Fiano and Greco whites; ripe, generous Primitivo from old bush vines.
The underdogs to drink
Start with the grapes worth the detour. More guides land as we publish them.
Whatever you drink now, there’s an underdog you’d like more.
One overlooked wine at a time: what it tastes like, the famous one it can replace, and the catch. It’s the list our wine club will be built from.
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