DOCG area for red wine in the Italian region of Campania. The zone was classified as DOC in 1970 and as DOCG in 1993. The vineyards cover 450 hectares of vineyards in the hilly and mountainous area of Irpinia, northeast of Avellino, on volcanic mountain slopes. Wine was already being grown here in pre-Christian times. The zone completely covers the municipalities of Bonito, Castelfranci, Castelvetere sul Calore, Fontanarosa, Lapio, Luogosano, Mirabella Eclano, Montefalcione, Montemarano, Montemiletto, Paternopoli, Pietradefusi, Sant'Angelo all'Esca, San Mango sul Calore, Taurasi, Torre le Nocelle and Venticano. The best locations are Castelfranci, Jampenne, Radici and Torre, all at about 400 metres above sea level.
The red wine is made from at least 85% Aglianico and a maximum of 15% of other authorised varieties such as Barbera, Piedirosso and Sangiovese. The leading producers produce it as a single variety. The tannin and extract-rich red wine with aromas of dark fruits, papaya, plums, spices and vanilla can be stored for 20 years and more. The colour changes from ruby red when young to mahogany tones when aged. The alcohol content must be at least 12% vol. It has to mature for three years, at least one year in the barrel and two years in the bottle. After four years of ageing, 18 months in the barrel and 12.5% vol. of alcohol, it may call itself Riserva. Taurasi is one of the best red wines in Italy and is equated with Barolo (Piedmont) and Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany). A large part of the production comes from the traditional Mastroberardino winery, whose Taurasi Radici Riserva vintage 1968 is considered legendary. Other well-known producers are Antica Hirpinia, Caggiano, Caputo, Contrade di Taurasi, Feudi di San Gregorio, Molettieri, Struzziero and Villa Raiano.
