Paestum IGT identifies wines from the Salerno area of Campania, taking its name from the ancient Greek city on the Tyrrhenian coast. Its viticultural landscape is notably varied, extending between the sea, the Sele plain, the Cilento hills and inland foothills. Maritime breezes temper summer warmth near the coast, while elevation, slope exposure and air currents in hillier sites encourage useful day-night temperature variation. Soils range from alluvial, sandy-clay deposits on the plain to limestone-rich, stony and, in places, clay-based formations on the slopes. This range of conditions supports distinctly different wine profiles within the denomination.
The geographical indication has a deliberately broad identity and may include numerous grape varieties authorised in Campania. Among the white grapes, Fiano, Greco, Falanghina, Malvasia and local biotypes are especially significant. They can produce wines marked by citrus fruit, herbs, white flowers and a structure shaped by freshness or mineral tension. Red and rosé Paestum wines often draw on Aglianico, Piedirosso, Barbera and other permitted varieties. Aglianico contributes colour, tannic structure and savoury depth; Piedirosso frequently adds floral and fruit-driven notes along with a gentler texture. International grapes may also appear in blends or varietal bottlings.
Training systems are adapted to site conditions and vine vigour. In the hills, attentive canopy management and ventilation around the bunches help support even ripening and healthy fruit. White wines are generally made with temperature control and protective handling to retain aromatic clarity and vibrancy. For reds, techniques range from brief skin contact for fresh, approachable styles to longer fermentations and macerations intended to build structure. Ageing may take place in steel, wood, or a combination of both. Depending on the chosen style, the denomination can also include sparkling wines and wines made from partially dried grapes, alongside still whites, rosés and reds. Viticulture here has roots in Greek settlement, continued through Roman times, and remains defined by the meeting of historic local grapes and contemporary cellar practice.
