The Greco grape is grown in various parts of Italy but is distinct (confusingly) from the Greco Bianco we had from Casa Comerci of Calabria in March. Tufo refers not only to a village in the DOCG zone but to its compressed volcanic ash soils. Known as tuff in English it is, of course, distinct from the chalky limestone tufa soils of Champagne and Chablis, etc. The unique volcanic soils as well as the cooler temperatures at the 450 to 550 meter elevation of the region account for the fresh and mineral qualities that make this one of the most respected of Italian white wines. Donna Paolina is a collaboration between three Campanian friends, Massimo Alois, Carmine Valentino and Gerardo Contrada. Massimo Alois’ family winery in Caserta is outside the Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino and Taurasi DOCG zones, but wanting to add these famous wines to his family’s roster, he partnered with oenologist Carmine and viticulturist and vineyard owner Gerardo to produce these wines together. As is typical of Greco, this organically grown wine has lots of body with a subtle nose of tangerine, yellow melon (especially the spicy part near the rind), pear and waxy pear skin, white flower, and raw almonds. The acidity is crisp and there is a pleasingly bitter and mineral finish. Classic pairings are fish carpaccio, mild white fish, seafood risotto and mild cheeses.