Falerno del Massico DOC Quick Guide

• Location: Campania, Caserta Province, Italy
  
• Established: 1989 DOC status
  
• Wine Styles: Bianco (white), Rosso (red), Primitivo (red)
  
• Key Grapes: Falanghina (white), Aglianico (red), Primitivo (red)
  
• Claim to Fame: Direct descendant of ancient Roman Falernian wine
  
• Production: ~38,500 cases annually
  
• Price Range: €15–30+ for reds
  

What is Falerno del Massico DOC Wine?

Falerno del Massico DOC is a Campania wine appellation with one of the most storied pedigrees in the world. Known as the modern heir to Rome’s legendary Falernian wine, it produces vibrant Falanghina-based whites and powerful reds from Aglianico, Piedirosso, and Primitivo. Few Italian wines blend myth, terroir, and heritage as seamlessly as Falerno del Massico.

From Roman Falernian to Modern Falerno: 2,000 Years of Winemaking

The wines of Monte Massico were the toast of ancient Rome. Falernian wine was praised by Pliny, Virgil, and Horace, who associated it with luxury and imperial banquets. Production faded after the empire’s decline until the 20th century, when Francesco Paolo Avallone and estates like Villa Matilde revived the tradition. In 1989, the DOC was officially recognized.

Falerno del Massico Terroir: Volcanic Soils Meet Mediterranean Climate

The appellation lies between Monte Massico and the extinct Roccamonfina volcano, where tuff and volcanic soils combine with limestone bedrock. This terroir lends the wines their distinctive minerality and intensity. A Mediterranean climate—sunny days tempered by sea breezes—helps balance ripeness with freshness.

Falerno del Massico Wine Styles: Red, White, and Primitivo

• Bianco – At least 85% Falanghina, crisp, mineral, citrus-driven.
  
• Rosso – Minimum 60% Aglianico, blended with Piedirosso and others.
  
• Primitivo – At least 85% Primitivo, lush, ripe, and spicy.
  
• Riserva/Vecchio – Aged versions of Rosso and Primitivo, requiring wood aging and higher alcohol levels.
  

Winemaking & DOC Regulations

• Bianco: Minimum 12% ABV
  
• Rosso: Minimum 12.5% ABV
  
• Primitivo: Minimum 13% ABV
  
• Riserva styles: Minimum 1 year of aging, including time in oak

Tasting Notes

• Falerno Bianco (Falanghina): Lively straw-yellow, with aromas of lemon zest, white peach, and saline minerality.
  
• Falerno Rosso (Aglianico/Piedirosso): Dark fruit, tobacco, volcanic earth, with bold structure.
  
• Falerno Primitivo: Generous and velvety, with plum, blackberry, spice, and a warming finish.

Falerno del Massico Food Pairing Guide

Bianco pairs with:

• Spaghetti alle vongole
  
• Grilled Mediterranean fish
  
• Buffalo mozzarella di Campania

Rosso pairs with:

• Osso buco alla napoletana
  
• Grilled lamb with rosemary
  
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano
  

Primitivo pairs with:

• Neapolitan ragù
  
• Braised pork or beef
  
• Rich, spiced dishes
  

Falerno del Massico vs Other Italian Wines

Wine	Region	Key Grape	Style	Price
Falerno del Massico Ross\	Campania	Aglianico	Full-bodied red	€15–30
Chianti Classico	Tuscany	Sangiovese	Medium-bodied red	€12–25
Barolo	Piedmont	Nebbiolo	Full-bodied red	€25–60+

Where to Buy Falerno del Massico DOC

• Top Producers: Villa Matilde, Moio, Masseria Felicia
  
• Price Range: Bianco €12–18, Rosso €15–25, Riserva €25–35
  
• Best Vintages: Recent standout years include 2016, 2019, and 2020
  
• Availability: Limited production makes Falerno del Massico a rare find—look to specialized Italian wine retailers or online shops like Wine.com, Vivino, or specialist importers.

FAQ: Falerno del Massico DOC

• Is Falerno del Massico the same as ancient Falernian wine?
  It’s considered the modern descendant, grown in the same territory and often with revived varietals.
• How do you pronounce it?
  fa-LEHR-no del MAS-si-ko
• Is it only red?
  No—both red and white are produced, though reds are most famous.

Fun Facts & Cultural Notes

• Roman vineyards here were divided into zones: Caucinian, Faustianum, and Falernum, each prized differently.
  
• Villa Matilde pioneered the revival of ancient Roman wine culture, even experimenting with amphorae fermentations.
  
• Ancient Falernian was often aged for decades—today’s Riservas echo that tradition.
  

Step into the story of Rome’s legendary wine reborn in Campania:

• Shop Falerno del Massico Wines
  
• Explore Campania’s Volcanic Wine Regions
  
• Join Our “Ancient Italian Wines” Newsletter

Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages 
Send us an email if you want to suggest edits, or if you are looking for more info, at
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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.