What Is Greco?
Greco is a white grape of southern Italy, best known in Campania, where it makes Greco di Tufo: a firm, mineral white with peach, citrus and almond, and more structure and acidity than most southern whites. It is also grown in Calabria and Lazio.
The name means "Greek", and tradition says the vine was brought to southern Italy by Greek settlers in ancient times, though there is no proof of this. DNA studies have shown that Greco is the same variety as Asprinio, used for the sparkling Asprinio di Aversa. Greco di Tufo was one of the first Campanian whites to gain a reputation outside the region, and since the 1990s it has been one of the great whites of the south.
Where Greco Grows
- Irpinia (Avellino): the hills around Tufo and nearby villages, at 400–700 m, with clay, limestone and volcanic soils. The area has old sulphur mines, and many wines are described as smoky or flinty.
- Sannio (Benevento): inland hills producing fresh, fruity Greco.
- Calabria: where a grape called Greco Bianco is used for the white wines of Cirò and the sweet Greco di Bianco.
- Lazio and Umbria: small plantings.
Greco ripens late, has thick skins and high natural acidity. Cool nights in the Irpinian hills help it keep freshness.
Greco and Italian Denominations
- Greco di Tufo DOCG: the reference wine, from eight villages around Tufo; there is also a sparkling version.
- Greco Sannio DOC: varietal Greco from the Benevento area.
- Irpinia DOC: a wider label for Greco grown around Avellino.
- Capri DOC: a small island denomination where Greco is part of the white blend.
- Cirò DOC: Calabria's best-known denomination; its white is made from Greco Bianco.
- Campania IGT, Calabria IGT and Lazio IGT: regional labels.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
- Fruit: yellow peach, apricot, pear, lemon and green apple.
- Other notes: almond, white flowers, honey, and a flinty, smoky or mineral finish.
- Structure: medium to full body, high acidity, firm and sometimes slightly grippy texture.
Young Greco is crisp and focused. The best wines from Tufo age very well, gaining honey, dried fruit and nutty notes over five to ten years.
Food Pairing
- Seafood: grilled fish, baked fish with potatoes, octopus and shellfish.
- Pasta: with seafood, with courgettes or with mushrooms.
- White meat: roast chicken, rabbit and veal.
- Cheese: buffalo mozzarella, caciocavallo and medium-aged cheeses.
- Vegetables: fried vegetables, stuffed peppers and vegetable soups.
How to Choose and Where to Start
Start with a Greco di Tufo DOCG from a well-known producer; it is the wine that shows the grape at its best. Producers worth knowing include Mastroberardino, Feudi di San Gregorio, Benito Ferrara, Pietracupa, Villa Raiano, Vadiaperti-Traerte and Quintodecimo. For a lighter, fruitier style, try a Greco Sannio.
Greco is one of Campania's three great white grapes, with Fiano and Falanghina. Read our best Greco wines, the best Campania wines, or browse the grape varieties index.