Italiano
The white wine “soul” of Campania
More than two-thirds of winegrowing in the region of Campania involves white grapes of which there are many varietals and they produce thousands of different characteristics.
White grapes account for almost 70% of those cultivated in Campania making it one of the regions with the highest number of white varietals in Italy. Being evenly distributed between the provinces, they give a clear identity to an area and demark its borders. Fiano, Greco, Falanghina, Coda di Volpe, Asprinio and Biancolella are widespread and allow for the production of prestigious wines, many of which are from important DOC and DCG appellations.
Aside from these well-known grapes, there is also a significant number of “minor” varietals, which serve as ambassadors for particular zones, and they are only “minor” in regard to the quantity produced. These grapes produce wines of unmeasurable value which are tied to the history, culture and specific traditions of a certain area. These varietals have survived thanks to family winegrowing, the topography of the region and the presence of volcanic soil, which inhibited the spread of the phylloxera and thus eliminated the need to uproot or re-graft vines with non-regional varietals. Also important was the practice of outgrowth reproduction, which was done throughout the region and was of particular importance for the areas around Vesuvius as well as Campi Flegrei and the Sorrento Peninsula.
The ampelographic wealth of the Campania region is unrepeatable due to the microclimatic conditions there and the habitat. This rare biodiversity has enhanced the number of wines that can be produced in the region, each with a distinct typicity. Wines made from such “minor” grapes as Ginestra, Caprettone, Agostinella, Coda di Pecora, Fenile, Catalanesca, Roviello (Greco Musc’), Ripolo, Pallagrello Bianco, Forastera, Pepella, San Nicola, Santa Sofia, Chingo Bianco, Tozzola, Aglianicone Bianco, Biancatenera and Biancazita are just the tip of the iceberg of what Campania can offer. And then there are the red varietals and all those that still need to be identified and added to the National Grape Variety Registry. The situation is clearly complex and structured, evidence of how varied the ampelographic wealth is in Campania Felix.
Irpinia Coda di Volpe Zirpoli 2018 Fiorentino
90/100 - € 13,00
Made in stainless steel from Coda di Volpe grapes. The first year of production. A straw-yellow color and a broad aroma of yellow peach, citron, grapefruit and chamomile. The mouthfeel is decidedly fresh, agile, saline and deliciously drinkable.
Only 500 bottles produced.
Beneventano Bianco Agostinella 2017 Vigne Sannite
89/100 - € 12,00
Made in stainless steel from Agostinella grapes. A golden-yellow color and aromas of pear, boxwood and white peach followed by notes of sage and unusual smoky sensations. The mouthfeel is saline, rich, harmonious and fresh and closes on a pleasing note of mint.
2.500 bottles.
Vesuvio Bianco 2014 Villa Dora
92/100 - € 13,50
A blend of 80% Caprettone and 20% Falanghina fermented and matured in stainless steel. A bright, straw-yellow color and aromas of orange blossoms, gorse, apricot and tomato leaf followed by smoky nuances and one of mint. The mouthfeel is fresh, acidic, relaxed and embellished by a pungent salinity. Young and best to leave in the cellar for a few hours.
1.500 bottles.
Costa d’Amalfi Per Eva 2015 Tenuta San Francesco
93/100 - € 13,50
A blend of 65% Falanghina, 30% Ginestra and 5% Pepella made in stainless steel. A golden-yellow color and aromas of citron, lemon leaf, apricot, almond and hay. The fresh mouthfeel is acidic, brackish and extremely pleasing with a long finish that has notes of incense and smoky hints.
3.000 bottles.
Terre del Volturno Pallagrello Bianco 2018 Vestini Campagnano
90/100 - € 12,00
Made in stainless steel from Pallagrello Bianco grapes. A straw-yellow color and a delicately floral aroma that also has fruity and vegetal notes. The mouthfeel is saline pulpy, fresh, taut and flavorful.
10.000 bottles.
Asprinio di Aversa Atellanum 2018 Masseria Campito
89/100 - € 10,00
Made in stainless steel from Asprinio grapes. A yellow-green color and a bouquet with notes of citrus, green apple and cut grass. The fresh mouthfeel has a distinct acidity and is saline and vertical. An easy to drink wine with a pleasing impact.
5.000 bottles.
Campania Fiano Don Chisciotte 2018 Pierluigi Zampaglione
90/100 - € 20,00
Fiano grapes cultivated at an altitude of 800m above sea level. A straw-yellow color with golden hues and aromas of gorse, citron and tangerine followed by alternating notes of star anise and flint. The fresh and pulpy mouthfeel is upheld by a distinct salinity. A long finish.
10.000 bottles.
Ischia Biancolella Tenuta Frassitelli 2018 Casa D’Ambra
91/100 - € 14,00
Made in stainless steel from Biancolella grapes. A straw-yellow color with light green reflections. The impact of the aroma is of fresh almond, bergamot and citron followed by notes of banana and gorse. The particularly fresh mouthfeel is crispy, vertical and brackish, with a balanced and subtle finish.
10.000 bottles.
Campi Flegrei Le Cigliate 2015 Cantine Farro
91/100 - € 15,00
Falanghina grapes harvested during the last ten days of October. A straw-yellow color with bright, golden reflections. The broad aroma has clear notes of candied lemon and bergamot with marine sensations and those of ripe apricot and shrubs. The ample and vertical mouthfeel is brackish and fresh with the finish exalted by iodine sensations and a smoky nuance. A very territorial wine.
7.000 bottiglie.
