2019 Greco di Tufo Terre degli Angeli Terredora di Paolo

Producer Profile

Terredora di Paolo is a prominent estate in the Irpinia region of Campania, southern Italy. Founded in 1978 when the Paolo / Di Paolo family first acquired vineyards in the Santa Paolina area (in particular Castelmozzo) as part of a revival of viticulture in this part of Irpinia.

Over time, they have expanded to around 200 hectares of vineyards. Their philosophy combines respect for indigenous grape varieties (such as Greco, Fiano, Aglianico, Falanghina) with careful vineyards work and modern winemaking techniques, including temperature-controlled fermentations and refinement on lees where appropriate.

The “Terre degli Angeli” is one of their single-vineyard or special selections of Greco di Tufo DOCG, made from grapes grown in their own estate vineyards in Santa Paolina. The site is characterized by hilly, chalky-limestone soils which contribute minerality and elegance to the wine.

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The Grape: Greco di Tufo

• Variety: 100% Greco. This is an ancient white grape native to Campania, with documented cultivation going back to Greek and Roman times.

• DOCG Region: Greco di Tufo is a controlled and guaranteed designation (DOCG) in Avellino province. The grape thrives in the communes including Tufo, Santa Paolina, Montefusco, Altavilla Irpina etc. The climate in these vineyards tends to have warm days, cool nights, and soils that allow for good drainage and retention of minerality.

• Style Characteristics: Greco di Tufo is known for delivering crisp, high-acidity whites with aromas of stone fruit, orchard fruits, sometimes almond or bitter-almond notes, vegetal or herbal hints, and a mineral backbone. Properly made, it can show richness without losing freshness. Ageing on lees or allowed some time can give added texture or complexity.

Appearance

Pale to medium straw-gold in color, with a little warmth from age but still bright. Slightly deeper than very young Greco di Tufo, suggesting some development.

Aroma (Nose)

Pronounced notes of orchard and stone fruits: ripe peach, apricot, apple. There are also citrus accents (lemon, perhaps a touch of orange-zest) and subtle herbal/vegetal hints—maybe green almond or herbaceous leaf. Given a few years bottle age, there may be secondary aromas: dried stone fruit, perhaps dried apricot or gentle honeyed tones, and toasted or nutty nuances if any lees contact has imparted texture.

Palate / Taste

Full-bodied for a white, yet balancing richness with crisp acidity. The mid-palate likely shows more texture — weight from fruit and possibly lees, while maintaining a lively backbone. Mineral tones emerge more in the finish, giving a firm line and extending the wine’s persistence. Softness in mouthfeel with a pleasant grip from acid, but not harsh. Slight bitter almond or herbally edge in the aftertaste, which is characteristic of matured Greco di Tufo.

Balance & Evolution

At five or six years of age (2019 vintage now past its early youth), this wine should have settled somewhat: the primary fruit tones mellowing, integration of lees/hints of evolution, but still with plenty of freshness. The acid-mineral skeleton will help it keep well for a few more years, though likely best consumed in the next 2-4 years while it still shows fruit.

Strengths & Potential Weaknesses

• Strengths: Elegant combination of richness and freshness; good aging potential for a white; expressive terroir; a producer with consistent quality and vineyard control.

• Potential Weaknesses: If stored poorly, acidity might fade, and the fruit might become less vibrant. Also, past a certain point the wine may lean toward secondary flavours at the expense of the bright fruit, which for some drinkers is less desirable.

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Food Pairing Suggestions

• Seafood (especially shellfish, oysters, and scallops), grilled fish

• Rich fish in cream sauces or mild spices

• White meats (chicken, turkey), particularly when prepared lightly or with herbs

• Traditional Southern Italian antipasti, fresh cheeses such as mozzarella di bufala

• Light risotti, pasta with pesto or herb-based sauces

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Conclusion / Overall Rating

The 2019 Terre degli Angeli by Terredora di Paolo is an excellent example of matured Greco di Tufo that retains its regional typicity—minerality, crisp acid, fruit richness—while offering a more complex profile from bottle age. It stands as a wine that bridges early drinkability with modest cellar potential. For lovers of Italian whites with presence and depth, it is highly recommended.