Capri DOC

Wine production on Capri stretches back to ancient Greek colonization and was continued through Roman times, giving the island one of southern Italy's most distinguished viticultural histories. The vineyards are planted on steep, centuries-old terraces using traditional pergola-style trellising, a system well-suited to the island's steep slopes and maritime conditions. Capri received its DOC designation in September 1977, making it one of Campania's established appellations, though it came 11 years after neighboring Ischia achieved the same recognition.

• Viticultural roots trace back to ancient Greek colonization of the region
• Wine production documented through Roman times on the island
• DOC status granted September 1977, 11 years after Ischia DOC
• Traditional pergola trellising still used on terraced slopes

Capri sits at the southern end of the Gulf of Naples, and the DOC covers the island's entire territory. The appellation is tiny by any measure, spanning just 3.97 square kilometers, with vineyards reaching a maximum elevation of 142 meters above sea level. The climate is Mediterranean, characterized by cold, wet winters and dry, mild, ventilated summers, with average annual rainfall of 754 mm. Temperate sea breezes from the surrounding Gulf create a maritime microclimate that moderates temperatures throughout the growing season. Soils are of limestone origin with a calcareous character, well-suited to the white grape varieties that dominate production.

• Located at the southern end of the Gulf of Naples, Campania
• Mediterranean climate with 754 mm average annual rainfall
• Calcareous limestone-derived soils across the appellation
• Vineyards concentrated on terraced slopes at the foothills of Mount Solaro

The Capri DOC is built on a small cast of indigenous Campanian varieties with deep historical significance. Falanghina anchors the Bianco, which is believed to be at the heart of the famous ancient Falernian wines. Greco Bianco, the second permitted white variety, is genetically identical to Asprinio, the grape used in sparkling wines of Aversa. Piedirosso, an ancient red variety, forms the backbone of the Rosso and is grown almost entirely within Campania. Biancolella is also grown on the island, though blending rules focus on the other authorized varieties.

• Falanghina believed to be linked to ancient Falernian wines of Roman fame
• Greco Bianco is genetically identical to Asprinio of the Aversa DOC
• Piedirosso is almost entirely restricted to Campania as a variety
• Up to 20% other authorized non-aromatic grapes permitted in both Bianco and Rosso

Capri DOC covers two wine styles: Bianco and Rosso. The Bianco must contain a minimum of 80% Falanghina and/or Greco, with Falanghina required to make up at least 50% of the blend. The Rosso must be based on at least 80% Piedirosso. Both styles permit up to 20% of other authorized non-aromatic varieties. Production across the appellation is very small, with vineyards typically operated as family-owned estates. Tourism has placed significant pressure on available vineyard land, with growers uprooting vines in favor of accommodation and visitor infrastructure.

• Bianco: minimum 80% Falanghina and/or Greco, with at least 50% Falanghina required
• Rosso: minimum 80% Piedirosso
• Production volumes are very low; most operations are small, family-owned
• Tourism development has reduced vineyard land over recent decades