Palm & Vine
  • Home
  • Free Resources
  • About Me
  • Press & Portfolio
  • Services
  • Contact Me
  • Wine
    • Tastings & Events
    • Wineries
    • World of Wine
  • Rare Varieties
  • Food & Wine
  • Musings

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Social Links

Free Resources
Contact
Palm & Vine
Palm & Vine Palm & Vine
  • Wine
    • Wine Tastings & Events
    • World of Wine
    • Wineries
  • Rare Varieties
  • Food & Wine
  • About
    • My Wine Lifestyle
    • Contact Me
  • Press & Portfolio
  • Services
    • Find Your Marketing Flavor Profile
    • Free Resources
  • WineComm 365
2017 Donnachiara Resilienza Falanghina Beneventano IGT
  • Rare Varieties

Falanghina – A Historic White Variety from Campania

  • 4 minute read
Total
1
Shares
0
0
1

This week’s rare variety takes us to Campania, the southern Italian region that encompasses the famed city of Naples along the coast of the Mediterranean.  Falanghina is an ancient variety typically attributed to the Greeks, who first cultivated vineyards in this region in the 7th century. This white variety was also behind Falernian, the most famous wine of Roman antiquity. A wine that’s been written about in history books and famous works of literature alike.

However, after the Roman period, the popularity of Falanghina rapidly declined. Though, thankfully, Falanghina experienced a revival as advancements in viticulture and winemaking in the 20th century arrived.

Falanghina is also grown in the southern regions of Puglia and Abruzzo. There are also some plantings further north in Lazio. But the variety thrives in Campania and is therefore the white variety synonymous with the region.

The Variety

Within Campania, there are two sub-varieties of Falanghina – Falanghina Beneventana and Falanghina Flegrea. Though according to the pros like Jancis Robinson and Ian D’Agata, author of Native Wine Grapes of Italy, the two are not easy to differentiate. The two sub-varieties are usually blended. Then, simply labeled under the name Falanghina. These white wines are often medium bodied with high acidity, exhibiting aromas of lemon, orange blossom, peach, almond, and a stony minerality.

Falanghina Flegrea

Supposedly, Falanghina Flegrea was the variety behind Falernian, the famed wine of the Romans. The variety is often at its best in the Falerno del Massico D.O.C. and the Falanghina del Sannio D.O.C. Generally, Falanghina Flegrea produces light, unoaked, and highly aromatic wines featuring a distinctive leafy aroma in addition to notes of citrus fruit, pear, apple, and a stony minerality.

Falanghina Beneventana

Falanghina Beneventana is the sub-variety often grown in the Benevento province of Campania. In Benevento, you will find quality Falanghina at an incredible value with most wines labeled under the Falanghina Beneventano IGT. The geographic indication is named for the province rather than the variety. Falanghina Beneventana offers dry wines with high acidity, plus floral, herbal, and concentrated citrus aromas.

Additionally, Falanghina grows throughout numerous appellations in Campania.

  • Falaghina del Sannio D.O.C. – includes a specific hilly area northeast of Naples
  • Beneventano Falanghina I.G.T. – a wider area in the Benevento province where you will find great value wines
  • Irpinia Falanghina D.O.C. – just east of Naples
  • Falanghina Campi Flegrei D.O.P. – covers the coastal area west of Naples
  • Falerno del Massico D.O.C. – located north of Naples in the province of Caserta, the region named for the famous Falernian wine of Roman times

Falanghina in the Vineyards

Considering Campania’s proximity to the coast, the region exhibits a warm Mediterranean climate influenced by the cooling sea breeze. That Mediterranean breeze maintains temperatures in the vineyards and keeps the vines healthy with cooling air currents. Temperatures moderated by the cool breeze allow grapes to mature steadily.

In addition to Naples, Campania has a few other cities and landmarks with which you might be familiar. Does Mount Vesuvius ring a bell? How about Pompeii, the city frozen in time under volcanic ash from a particularly violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius?

Well, Falaghina flourishes in porous soils which abound in Campania. While volcanic soils are obviously present in the appellations closer to Mount Vesuvius, volcanic soil can actually be found throughout most of Campania. The same Mediterranean Sea breezes that moderate vineyard temperatures historically spread volcanic ash throughout the region of Campania. Tufa, a soft, well-draining limestone-based soil, is also common in Campania.

Moreover, Campania is a hilly region, offering especially elevated vineyard sites for the wines of Falerno del Massico D.O.C. Specifically, hilly territory abounds in the communes of Sessa Aufrunca, Cellole, Mandragone, and Falciano del Massico. Vines planted on these hills benefit from exceptional exposure.

The Winery: Donnachiara

Founded in 2005, Donnachiara is a family owned winery almost wholly managed by female proprietors. The Petitto family has lived amongst the hills of Montefalcione for centuries. Today, the vineyards of Donnachiara are planted to ancient vineyard sites.  CEO Illaria Petitto dedicates herself to viticulture and is supported by her mother, Chiara, the niece of Donna Chiara Mazzarelli Petitto, for whom the winery is named. Donnachiara produces each of Irpinia’s three D.O.C.G. wines – Fiano di Avellino, Taurasi, and Greco di Tufo. They also produce wines from the region’s traditional varieties Aglianico and Falanghina.

The Wine: 2017 Donnachiara, Resilienza Beneventano Falanghina I.G.T.

2017 Donnachiara Resilienza Falanghina Beneventano IGT

The grapes for this wine come from the heart of Taburno within Benevento in the province of Avellino. The grapes were pressed, cooled quickly, and kept chilled for 4-6 hours at 50°F. The aromatics are preserved during this period of cryomaceration. Then, the wine was fermented in steel vats for 15 days. This vinification resulted in a refreshing, zesty, aromatic white wine.

  • Beautifully brilliant medium-plus straw yellow color
  • Medium or medium-minus pronounced aromas of Meyer lemon, candied citrus, apricot, citrus blossom and a stony minerality
  • Medium-minus body, medium plus acidity, dry, more savory on the palate with flavors of minerals, salinity, and bitter orange

Pairing Suggestions

Falanghina is the ideal wine to pair with seafood dishes like scallops, prawns, and clams. This wine is also perfect for pasta dishes with light sauces or lots of fresh herbs. Think scallops in a buttery garlic sauce, linguine and clams with lots of fresh parsley, grilled prawns in a chimichurri sauce, or fresh pesto pasta.

Sources

Jancis Robinson

Eric Asimov for The New York Times

Wine Enthusiast

Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 1

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Total
1
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 1
Related Topics
  • Italian Wine
  • White Wine
  • Wine Tasting
Previous Article
Feteasca Neagra
  • Rare Varieties

Feteasca Neagra – The Perfect Red Wine for Summer

View Post
Next Article
Cortese Mauro Sebaste Gavi DOCG 2018
  • Rare Varieties

Cortese – The Great White of Piemonte

View Post

You May Also Like

Freisa, italian wine, red wine, piedmont, piemonte italy
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Freisa – A Rare Italian Red Related to Nebbiolo

Roero, Arneis, Piedmont Italy, Italian wine, wine region
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Arneis: Piedmont’s Great White Italian Wine

Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Cuneo
View Post
  • 3 min
  • Rare Varieties

Pelaverga a.k.a. One of Piedmont’s Most Delicious Rare Varieties

Timorasso, Derthona, Walter Massa
View Post
  • 5 min
  • Rare Varieties

Timorasso – From Nearly Extinct to Cult Classic

slarina, Italian red wine, Monferrato
View Post
  • 3 min
  • Rare Varieties

Slarina: Almost Extinct Age Worthy Red Wines in Monferrato

Grignolino from Monferrato
View Post
  • 5 min
  • Rare Varieties

Grignolino – A Rebellious Yet Noble Red Variety in Monferrato

Nascetta, Piedmont, white wine
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Nascetta – A Rare Variety Making Memorable Wines in Piemonte

Ferraris Ruché
View Post
  • 6 min
  • Rare Varieties
  • Wineries

Discover Ruché with Ferraris Agricola

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Discover Your Digital Marketing Flavor Profile

Winery digital marketing, wine social media marketing, winery brand messaging
about

About

Hi, I’m Nikki. Welcome to Palm & Vine – a wine blog for the adventurous at heart. Allow me to guide you into the world of wine, help you create unforgettable wine pairings, and inspire your wine travels to far off destinations. I can’t wait to savor, sip, and wander together.
Read More

Let’s Connect!

Free resources
Subscribe & Get Access To My Exclusive Digital Wine Resource Library!
Marketing by
ActiveCampaign

Rare Varieties

  • Freisa, italian wine, red wine, piedmont, piemonte italy
    • Rare Varieties

    Freisa – A Rare Italian Red Related to Nebbiolo

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Roero, Arneis, Piedmont Italy, Italian wine, wine region
    • Rare Varieties

    Arneis: Piedmont’s Great White Italian Wine

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Cuneo
    • Rare Varieties

    Pelaverga a.k.a. One of Piedmont’s Most Delicious Rare Varieties

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Timorasso, Derthona, Walter Massa
    • Rare Varieties

    Timorasso – From Nearly Extinct to Cult Classic

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • slarina, Italian red wine, Monferrato
    • Rare Varieties

    Slarina: Almost Extinct Age Worthy Red Wines in Monferrato

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post

Watch Wine Masters TV

wine masters TV, wine documentary, learn about wine, wine movies, gaja, mastroberardino, antinori, italian wine, french wine, spanish wine

Instagram

If you’re slinging wine, then you need to know how to write about it! Nothing groundbreaking, but at the very least you should be able to write enticing tasting notes...
📣📣 Calling all wine brands, wineries, wine shops, and wine businesses! I'm excited to share something I've been cooking up for you...
✨ Save this post for a must-try restaurant for the next time you find yourself in 📍Nuoro, Sardegna…
Are you ready to visit one of the world's most renowned wine regions with me?
Feels like it’s time for a little reintroduction 😊
My Saturdays are looking a lot different lately 😍😍 Our vineyard planting got pushed back a bit due to mother nature 🙏🏼 aka lots of rain, but IT’S ALMOST TIME! Worked on the fencing for our mountain site today to keep those wild 🐗 boars (and others) out 💪🏼
Follow

Posts You’ll Love

  • aromas in wine, wine tasting, red wine aromas, primary aromas
    Aromas in Wine: 25 of the Most Common Wine Aromas Explained
  • Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
    Exclusive Look Inside Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
  • Bud Break in Burgundy
    Bud Break, Flowering & Fruit Set – Nature’s Gift to Wine Lovers
  • Cannonau
    Sardinian Cannonau is a Global Contender
  • Vernaccia di Oristano
    Vernaccia di Oristano – Sardinia’s Most Fascinating Wine
Palm & Vine Wine Blog

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Featured Categories

Crostini Appetizer
Food & Wine
53 Posts
View Posts
Yarra Valley Wine Region
Musings
21 Posts
View Posts
Veraison Grapes
Rare Varieties
51 Posts
View Posts
Palm & Vine
Tastings & Events
19 Posts
View Posts
winemaking, wine country, wine region, vineyards
Wine
23 Posts
View Posts
Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
Wineries
35 Posts
View Posts
Vigne Surrau Barrel Room
World of Wine
38 Posts
View Posts
If you’re slinging wine, then you need to know how to write about it! Nothing groundbreaking, but at the very least you should be able to write enticing tasting notes...
📣📣 Calling all wine brands, wineries, wine shops, and wine businesses! I'm excited to share something I've been cooking up for you...
✨ Save this post for a must-try restaurant for the next time you find yourself in 📍Nuoro, Sardegna…
Are you ready to visit one of the world's most renowned wine regions with me?
Feels like it’s time for a little reintroduction 😊
My Saturdays are looking a lot different lately 😍😍 Our vineyard planting got pushed back a bit due to mother nature 🙏🏼 aka lots of rain, but IT’S ALMOST TIME! Worked on the fencing for our mountain site today to keep those wild 🐗 boars (and others) out 💪🏼
Subscribe & Get Access To My Exclusive Digital Wine Resource Library!
Marketing by
ActiveCampaign

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Free resources

Pinterest Profile

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

This website uses cookies to function and to track how you interact with the website. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read More Cookie settings Accept
Cookie Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser, as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Advertisement

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

 

Loading Comments...