This hilly area is dominated by the Massico mountain and the volcano of Roccamonfina: lava-rich, mineral-rich soils, home to the early “immortal Falerno,” from over 3,000 years ago – a favorite of ancient Roman poets and emperors. The modern DOC goes back to 1989 and falls within the province of Caserta, in northwestern Campania, in Sessa Aurunca, Cellole, Mondragone, Falciano and Carinola. There are white and red versions and the red is mostly Aglianico (from “Hellenico,” meaning “Greek”: the variety came with the ancient Greek settlers, around the 9th century BC). The white version is 100% Falanghina, which is named after the settlers’ revolutionary wooden poles or falanghe supporting the vine shoots (Etruscan viticulturists had originally placed the shoots directly on the ground).
Map of the region
