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What is Costa d’Amalfi DOC?
Costa d’Amalfi DOC is a Campania wine appellation established in 1995 that produces whites, reds, rosato, sparkling, and passito wines. Grown on breathtaking terraced vineyards that cling to the cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea, these wines embody the essence of Amalfi Coast wine culture.
History and Origins
Viticulture here dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who recognized the region’s natural amphitheater of sea and sun. The modern DOC designation was granted in 1995, safeguarding the region’s three historic subzones—Furore, Ravello, and Tramonti.
Costa d’Amalfi Wine Regions & Terroir
Furore Wines
Known for dramatic cliffside vineyards, Furore produces whites with saline freshness and structured reds anchored by Piedirosso.
Ravello Wines
Ravello, perched above Amalfi, makes elegant whites often featuring Biancolella and Falanghina, alongside balanced rosato styles.
Tramonti Wines
Higher altitude Tramonti vineyards nurture Tintore di Tramonti, a rare native grape, producing deeply colored, age-worthy reds.
The Grapes of Costa d’Amalfi DOC
- Whites: Biancolella, Falanghina, Fenile, Ginestra, Ripoli, Pepella, Fiano
- Reds: Piedirosso, Aglianico, Sciascinoso, Tintore (Tramonti)
These blends create wines that are at once Mediterranean and mountain-influenced, balancing freshness with structure.
Winemaking & DOC Regulations
- Spumante: Metodo Classico, minimum 2 years aging
- Rosso Riserva: Subzones only, 2 years aging (1 in wood)
- Passito Bianco & Rosso: Grapes dried to reach 16% potential alcohol
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
| DOC Established | 1995 |
| Subzones | Furore, Ravello, Tramonti |
| Grapes | Piedirosso, Aglianico, Sciascinoso, Falanghina, Biancolella, Tintore |
| Vineyard Area | ~170 acres |
| Viticulture | Heroic, terraced, hand-harvested |
Tasting Notes
- Whites: Citrus, lemon zest, herbs, salty minerality
- Rosato: Bright red berries, fresh acidity
- Reds: Earthy, cherry, plum, spice; Tramonti Tintore brings tannic grip
- Spumante: Zesty, floral, elegant bubbles
Serving & Pairing
- Whites: Perfect with Amalfi seafood—anchovy pasta, grilled octopus
- Rosato: Aperitivo with bruschetta or mozzarella di bufala
- Reds: Pair with lamb, pasta al ragù, or Neapolitan salumi
- Passito: Serve with sfogliatella or citrus-infused pastries
Where to Buy & Pricing
Costa d’Amalfi wines are boutique, often priced €20–50. Look for them via Italian importers, premium wine shops, or online retailers like Wine-Searcher.
Costa d’Amalfi vs Other Italian Coastal Wines
Unlike Cinque Terre DOC (Liguria) or Etna DOC (Sicily), Costa d’Amalfi’s wines showcase a more Mediterranean salinity and feature rare local grapes rarely found outside Campania.
Best Costa d’Amalfi Producers
- Marisa Cuomo (Furore) – iconic cliffside cellar, award-winning Fiorduva blend
- Cantine San Francesco (Tramonti) – heritage producer of Tintore reds
- Vini Ettore Sammarco (Ravello) – known for balanced whites and rosato
Visiting Costa d’Amalfi Wineries
Wine tours here are an exercise in the spectacular: vineyards reached by narrow steps, tastings overlooking turquoise seas, and cellar doors carved into cliffs. Ravello’s tasting rooms are particularly sought after by wine travelers.
FAQ on Costa d’Amalfi DOC
- Q: What grapes are used in Costa d’Amalfi DOC wines?
A: Piedirosso, Aglianico, Sciascinoso, Falanghina, Biancolella, Tintore, and several indigenous whites. - Q: How should Costa d’Amalfi wines be served?
A: Whites at 10–12 °C, reds at 16–18 °C, sparkling well-chilled. - Q: Are Costa d’Amalfi wines expensive?
A: Typically boutique-priced (€20–50), with Riservas higher.
Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- Costa d’Amalfi’s viticulture is called “heroic” because vineyards are so steep they must be worked by hand.
- Tintore di Tramonti is an almost extinct grape, saved by local growers.
- Many producers mature wines in caves carved into coastal cliffs, creating dramatic aging conditions.
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If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta
Additionally, you can discover the other wines from campania.
