Greco di Tufo

Greco di Tufo is an Italian white grape variety and DOCG region. The grape is most revered in the eponymous Greco di Tufo Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), one of four DOCG areas located in Campania. The Campania region boasts more DOCG zones than any other southern Italian region, and Greco di Tufo is considered one of the best white wine appellations of the region, alongside Fiano di Avellino DOCG.

Greco di Tufo is a clone of Greco Bianco. It ripens late, enjoying the Mediterranean climate and long, warm growing season of Southern Italy.

Greco di Tufo is named after the tiny town of Tufo in Avellino, Campania. The name Tufo is derived from “tuff;” the soft, volcanic rock that makes up the subsoil of the region. This distinctive soil is thought to impart a particular minerality to the wine flavor profile.

Greco di Tufo wines tend to show a dark lemon or gold color, darker than many white wines. Though not overly aromatic, Greco di Tufo wines are known to show characteristics of spice, herb and citrus. On the palate, the wines are medium- to full-bodied and relatively high in acidity.

Flavors will range from citrus, white fruit and stone fruit, and top examples will have a distinctive mineral character. Poor examples can be overly bitter or tart, though quality producers will strive for balance and ensure that this aspect is not overpowering. The wines drink well when young, though quality examples are capable of aging. Over time, mature Greco di Tufo will develop more herbal flavors.

DOCG regulations stipulate that Greco di Tufo must be made with at least 85% of the Greco grape, with up to 15% of other approved varieties allowed in the blend. Most often, the other variety used is Coda di Volpe, another Campanian variety.

Outside of Campania, the Greco bianco grape can be found in Puglia, Lazio and Tuscany. Greco di Tufo should not be confused with Greco di Bianco DOC, a distinct Calabrian appellation for sweet wines produced from partially dried grapes. The term Greco Nero, used to refer to at least five distinct Calabrian red grape varieties, is also unrelated.

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