SANNIO FALANGHINA D.O.C.

Thought to be a key component in Falernum, treasured wine of the Roman Empire, the Falanghina grape is one of Italy’'D5s oldest. It is pronounced “'D2Fah-Lahn-Gee'-Nah.”'D3 Falanghina is an ancient species of grape that was already familiar to the Samnites and Romans who prized it and also called it Falernina, due to its diffusion throughout the "Falernus Ager." It was probably Roman merchants who brought this grape from Greece to Italy, spreading its cultivation throughout the centre and South. It owes its Latin name to the word "phalange," namely "tied to the pole," describing the ancient system of cultivation used to make the vines grow.
Firm reports on the vine are more recent and date back to 1825, when Falanghina was mentioned in a treaty as being one of the best Samnite-origin grape species. Later on, in the thirties, a group of oenologists were to crown Falanghina as one of the best Italian grape species, to the extent that they recommended its diffusion in order to improve production in the South's main wine producing areas.
Today, Falanghina is experiencing a moment of renewed success thanks to a policy of rediscovery and enhancement of historical and regional grape species.

Falanghina is currently widespread throughout Campania, where it is used for making the eponymous wine and in many DOC wines (Denominazione di Origine Controllata -Controlled Denomination of Origin) both in its pure form (such as the Campi Flegrei Falanghina, Sant'Agata dei Goti Falanghina and Taburno Falanghina wines), as well as together with other white grapes (such as for Capri white wines, Costa d'Amalfi white and Falerno del Massico white wine).
Its ideal habitat is on the island of Procida in the Campi Flegrei area and in the Sannio.
The vine matures in the second half of September and is generally harvested at the start of October. It is averagely productive, vigorous, not particularly homogenous and requires a warm and dry climate.
It has a robust stump with medium-length vine shoots that are rather weak and not very ramous, whilst the leaf is average size, trifoliate and cuneiform, almost whole, with a light-green color and a downy underside. The bunch is long, like a truncated cone, averagely compact and alated; the seeds are small and spherical, grey-yellow in colour with a thick and often pruinose skin, and the crunchy flesh is sweet and sharp.

Falanghina is a white wine with a delicate nose, with hints of broom, whilst it is full-bodied, fresh and pleasant on the palate. It has good acidity and fine, delicate, fruity notes. It has a broad and pleasantly bitter aftertaste that recalls the pomegranate.
It can be drunk with grilled or fried fish, with pasta dishes with seafood or vegetable and tomato sauces; it happily accompanies the most traditional recipes from the Campania region, such as "paccari napoletani".

It is excellent served as an aperitif at a temperature of 10° C.

A regional fair dedicated to Falanghina is held in the municipality of Sant'Agata dei Goti each year at the end of September during which the many wines produced in Campania with Falanghina grapes are presented.
In addition to the wine growers, consumers are also invited, as well as restaurateurs, food and wine experts, oenologists and specialist journalists who can participate in the conventions and guided tastings.

Possessing an exceptional straw color with fresh grassy nuances, this medium bodied wine is seductive and elegant, with a smooth lingering finish. Our Falanghina completes light seafood dishes, vegetables and fresh cheeses.

Area of Production: Hills of Sannio Beneventano (Campania-Italy)
Location of Vineyeards: 350 Slm
Grape: 100% Falanghina
Nature of soil: Clayey and calcareous
Vineyard exposure: Southwest

Vintage Time: Last ten days of September
Winemaking: Soft pressing and steeping
Fermentation: Under controlled temperature
Refinement: Steel container and in bottle

Alcoholic content: 12.5% Alc. by Vol.
Total Acidity: 5,50-6,00 grams per liter
Sugar Residue: Traces
Dry Extract: 22,00

Bottling: Historical Bordelaise and natural cork
Characteristics: Straw-colored with greenish nuances; fruity and intense nose; medium-bodied; delicate and seductive with a smooth long finish
Serving temperature: 9°C or 49°F
Preferred Serving: Medium glass