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We are kicking off Legionnaires' season 4 with a deep dive into Italy’s unsung south - Campania, Puglia, Molise, Basilicata, and Calabria. Think volcanic slopes, coastal winds, diverse elevations, and grape varieties that you rarely hear about from your WSET profs. Even though the regions are relatively under the radar, the wines speak volumes: textured whites, punchy reds, and unexpected blends that will make you scratch your head. Thanks to Marco for suggesting this theme!

Theme: Mainland Southern Italy Showdown

Type: Open

Location: The Belleforte

Date: 20th September

Time: 6.30pm

iGreco Gran Cuvée Millesimato Rosé 2016

Templo Malvasia del Molise 2020

Terredora Di Paolo Irpinia Falanghina 2022

Masca del Tacco La Ceppu 2021

Cantine Coppi Primitivo Vanitoso Riserva 2016

Ippolito Gaglioppo 160 Anni 2019*

Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi Piano Di Montevergine 2018

Paternoster Aglianico del Vulture Don Anselmo 2015

*WOTN

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Which region surprised you most?

What grape would you want to learn more about?

What DOCs have potential for global fame?

Is typicity even a thing here?

Is it difficult for these regions to gain recognition outside of Italy?

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🍇 Key Grapes: Fiano, Greco, Falanghina, Aglianico, Piedirosso

🏷️ Notable DOCs/DOCGs:

Fiano di Avellino DOCG

Greco di Tufo DOCG

Taurasi DOCG

Falanghina del Sannio DOC

Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio DOC

🌋 Climate & Soil:

Volcanic soils around Vesuvius and Irpinia

Cool inland elevations vs hot coastal plains

Diurnal range supports freshness

💡 Fun Fact:
Fiano was once nearly extinct. Now it’s a DOCG, age-worthy white with serious texture and structure.

🔫 Mafia:

Camorra

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🍇 Key Grapes: Primitivo, Negroamaro, Nero di Troia, Bombino Bianco, Verdeca

🏷️ Notable DOCs/DOCGs:

Primitivo di Manduria DOC

Salice Salentino DOC

Castel del Monte DOCG

Gioia del Colle DOC

Locorotondo DOC (white)

🌞 Climate & Soil:

Flat plains, sun-baked, Mediterranean influence

Clay-limestone soils

Hot vintages common, but some high-altitude areas inland

💡 Fun Fact:
Primitivo and Zinfandel are genetically identical - but Puglia’s version is often bolder, drier, and more rustic.

🔫 Mafia:

Sacra Corona Unita

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🍇 Key Grapes: Gaglioppo, Magliocco, Greco Bianco, Mantonico

🏷️ Notable DOCs/DOCGs:

Cirò DOC

Greco di Bianco DOC

Terre di Cosenza DOC

🌬️ Climate & Soil:

Hot, dry, mountainous with sea breezes

Poor, sandy and rocky soils

Vineyards often terraced

💡 Fun Fact:
Legend says Cirò wine was offered to Olympic champions in ancient Greece. Talk about heavenly wine.

🔫 Mafia:

Ndrangheta

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🍇 Key Grapes: Aglianico, Malvasia Bianca, Moscato

🏷️ Notable DOCs/DOCGs:

Aglianico del Vulture DOC

Aglianico del Vulture Superiore DOCG

🌋 Climate & Soil:

High-altitude vineyards (400–600m+)

Volcanic soils from Monte Vulture

Slow ripening = age-worthy structure

💡 Fun Fact:
Aglianico is often called the “Barolo of the South” for its tannic structure and ageing potential.

🔫 Mafia:

Basilischi

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🍇 Key Grapes: Montepulciano, Tintilia, Trebbiano, Falanghina

🏷️ Notable DOCs/DOCGs:

Biferno DOC

Pentro di Isernia DOC

Molise DOC (regional)

⛰️ Climate & Soil:

Mountainous inland with cool nights

Clay, marl, limestone mix

Low intervention producers emerging

💡 Fun Fact:
Tintilia is an obscure local grape revived in recent decades - dark, wild, spicy, and full of character.

🔫 Mafia:

Società Foggiana

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iGreco Gran Cuvée Millesimato Rosé 2016 | Calabria

Templo Malvasia del Molise 2020 | Molise

Terredora Di Paolo Irpinia Falanghina 2022 | Campania

Masca del Tacco La Ceppu 2021 | Puglia

Cantine Coppi Primitivo Vanitoso Riserva 2016 | Puglia

Ippolito Gaglioppo 160 Anni 2019 | Calabria

Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi Piano Di Montevergine 2016 | Campania

Paternoster Aglianico del Vulture Don Anselmo 2015 | Basilicata