The Irpinia PDO is reserved for the following typologies of wine: White, Red, Rosé and Novello; Spumante, White Passito, Red Passito and Liqueur (only with indication of grape variety). The Designation also incorporates numerous grape variety and geographical specifications.
Production Area
The production area of Irpinia PDO is within the territory of numerous municipalities in the Province of Avellino, in the Campania region.
Blends
White, Spumante: 40-50% Greco, 40-50% Fiano, pure or with the addition of non-aromatic grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 20%.Red, Rosé, Novello: min. 70% Aglianico, pure or with the addition of non-aromatic grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 30%.
Description of product typologies
Irpinia PDO Bianco is straw-yellow to golden in colour; the nose displays sensations of fruit such as apple, melon and hazelnut, with vegetal notes of aromatic herbs; the palate is determined by an acid-sapid balance and its smoothness and long persistence. Irpinia PDO Rosso has an intense ruby-red colour; the nose is reminiscent of the complex notes of ripe fruits of the forest, marasca cherry, spices and liquorice; it is smooth, warm and well-structured on the palate, with evident tannins. Irpinia PDO Rosé is pink in colour, varying in intensity; it the nose is floral and fruity; it is dry or medium-sweet, smooth and pleasing on the palate. Irpinia PDO Novello is crimson red in colour; the nose is intense, vinous and fruity; it is intense, dry or medium-sweet on the palate. Irpinia PDO Spumante and Irpinia PDO Passito with indication of grape variety have the organoleptic characteristics that are typical of the grapes and terroir of origin.
Geographical and sub-area specifications
The Irpinia PDO can be accompanied by the sub-geographical designation Irpinia PDO Campi Taurasini, reserved exclusively for Red wine, which is produced with min. 85% Aglianico, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%. Irpinia PDO Campi Taurasini wines must have been aged for at least 9 months, commencing November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced, before they can be made available for consumption.
Grape variety specifications
The Irpinia PDO may display the specifications of the following grape varieties. From white grape varieties: min. 85% Coda di Volpe, Falanghina (incl. Spumante), Fiano (incl. Spumante, Passito), Greco (incl. Spumante, Passito), pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%.From red grape varieties: min. 85% Aglianico (incl. Passito, Liqueur), Sciascinoso, pure or with the addition of grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%.The characteristics of the colour, fragrances and flavour of each specification are those typical of the grape variety and terroir of origin. Irpinia PDO Fiano Spumante, Irpinia PDO Greco Spumante and Irpinia PDO Falanghina Spumante wines, processed with the Classic method, can only be made available for consumption 20 months from October 1st of the year in which the first batch of grapes were harvested. Grapes partially dried on the vines or after the harvest are used for processing Irpinia PDO Fiano Passito, Irpinia PDO Greco Passito and Irpinia PDO Aglianico Passito wines, until their total alcohol content is no less than 15,5%. They can be made available for consumption from June 1st of the year following that in which the grapes were produced. Irpinia PDO Aglianico Liquoroso cannot be made available for consumption before October 1st of the year following the harvest.
