Lapilli translates as small stones. And the new selection from Campania Wines is certainly causing major ripples in the wine lakes of the world.

There’s something that makes Italian wines particularly special and that’s the fierce pride their producers have for indigenous grapes. Too many wine-growing areas are tempted rip out heritage vines to replace them with international crowd-pleasers like chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Not so the Campania region. Definitely not so Lapilli, the family-run business established in 1996 in Irpinia, about 40 km east of Naples.

Lapilli works with local communes centred around the town of Avellino and dotted about the hills of Lapio, Forino and Candida. They listen carefully to the families who’ve toiled on the land for generations and know how to coax the very best out of the soil. Together, on small patches of land, they produce a whole variety of grapes which they turn into intriguing wines of character, blessed by Italian sunshine and centuries of history.

The dedicated team at Lapilli didn’t hurry the process, learning as much as they could about one variety before developing their range with others. Fiano di Avellino came first, followed by Greco di Tufo, Aglianico and last, but very much not least, Falanghina.

Lapilli drew on the wisdom of local elders, used the skill of wine-maker Marco Flacco, invested in the regeneration of the vineyards and in contemporary wine-making techniques.

Falanghina is a tangy wine, peachy, citrusy, hints of green apples, a little bit tropical. It tastes great with tomato-rich dishes from the Neapolitan region and it’s a perfect accompaniment to Italian fish dishes like fritti misti.

Greco di Tufo has notes of stone fruits which dominate, the aromas of peach and apricot being noticeable, but there’s a delicious complexity that comes with hints of pear, almond, sage and a twist of minerality. The acidity cleanses the palate and keeps the wine refreshing and moreish, while the ripe fruit gives the wine a certain roundness and softness which balances perfectly.

Fiano di Avellino boasts a lovely complexity of aromas with both fresh and spicier notes of apricot, orange peel, linden flowers, acacia and honey. This is also a typical Fiano: hint of hazelnuts on the palate and finish. A bright acidity refreshes the ripe fruit flavours and keeps the soft, round mouthfeel in balance.

We serve nothing but the best at Campania Wines, and the Lapilli range of white wines is no exception. In a region traditionally renowned for its premium wines, Lapilli and Campania Wines have aimed to make these fabulous wines a little more accessible without compromising on the quality. The result is a range of enticing, elegant wines that represent fantastic value for money, yet still boast outstanding varietal aromas and flavours, complexity and reliable, clean consistency.