Story: Falanghina | Grape variety
The rediscovery of Falanghina: a treasure of Italian wine culture
Falanghina, an ancient Italian white wine grape, is thought to have originated in ancient Greece and is considered to be the grape variety of the famous Falernian wine of Roman antiquity. This historic wine inspired today's Falerno del Massico. Since the turn of the century, the Falanghina grape has experienced a renaissance as winemakers and wine lovers alike work to restore the reputation of this venerable variety.
Growing areas and terroir
Falanghina vines are mainly grown in Campania, in the south of Italy. This region offers ideal conditions for growing the grape: the porous, volcanic soils around Mount Vesuvius and the warm Mediterranean climate contribute significantly to the quality and character of the wine. The vines have yellow berries covered with a thin layer of wax, which makes them resistant to pests and diseases.
Aroma and taste
Falanghina wines are known for their lively aromas. The nose reveals scents of pine, citrus fruits and flowers, especially bitter orange. On the palate, they present classic apple and pear aromas, which are accompanied by spicy or mineral notes, depending on the growing region. This diversity makes Falanghina a fascinating and versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or in combination with food.
Cultivation and distribution
Although Falanghina is most widespread in Campania, there are also smaller cultivation areas in Apulia and Abruzzo. Despite its growing popularity, international cultivation remains limited. Within Italy, however, the grape variety is becoming more and more important and is increasingly being cultivated as a single variety, although traditionally it is often blended with other local grape varieties or produced as a sweet passito.
Sub-varieties and their characteristics
There are at least two recognized sub-varieties of Falanghina: Falanghina Flegrea and Falanghina Beneventana. These differ slightly in their organoleptic characteristics, but are often mixed together and referred to as general Falanghina. The best-known growing areas for these varieties are north of Naples, particularly in the Falerno del Massico and Sannio regions.
Future prospects
The renaissance of Falanghina is proof of the growing interest in indigenous grape varieties and the preservation of Italy's viticultural heritage. With its unique taste and historical significance, Falanghina has the potential to make a name for itself on the international wine market. Winemakers in Campania and beyond rely on this variety to produce high-quality, characterful wines that reflect both the history and terroir of their origin.
Conclusion
Falanghina is more than just an old grape variety; it is a living piece of Italian wine history. With its diverse aromas and unique character, it offers wine lovers an exciting alternative to better-known white wine varieties. The efforts to rediscover and promote Falanghina are helping to bring this noble grape variety back into focus and secure it a well-deserved place in the world of wine. - Gerardo [TS08/24]
Falanghina, an ancient Italian white wine grape, is thought to have originated in ancient Greece and is considered to be the grape variety of the famous Falernian wine of Roman antiquity. This historic wine inspired today's Falerno del Massico. Since the turn of the century, the Falanghina grape has experienced a renaissance as winemakers and wine lovers alike work to restore the reputation of this venerable variety.
Growing areas and terroir
Falanghina vines are mainly grown in Campania, in the south of Italy. This region offers ideal conditions for growing the grape: the porous, volcanic soils around Mount Vesuvius and the warm Mediterranean climate contribute significantly to the quality and character of the wine. The vines have yellow berries covered with a thin layer of wax, which makes them resistant to pests and diseases.
Aroma and taste
Falanghina wines are known for their lively aromas. The nose reveals scents of pine, citrus fruits and flowers, especially bitter orange. On the palate, they present classic apple and pear aromas, which are accompanied by spicy or mineral notes, depending on the growing region. This diversity makes Falanghina a fascinating and versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or in combination with food.
Cultivation and distribution
Although Falanghina is most widespread in Campania, there are also smaller cultivation areas in Apulia and Abruzzo. Despite its growing popularity, international cultivation remains limited. Within Italy, however, the grape variety is becoming more and more important and is increasingly being cultivated as a single variety, although traditionally it is often blended with other local grape varieties or produced as a sweet passito.
Sub-varieties and their characteristics
There are at least two recognized sub-varieties of Falanghina: Falanghina Flegrea and Falanghina Beneventana. These differ slightly in their organoleptic characteristics, but are often mixed together and referred to as general Falanghina. The best-known growing areas for these varieties are north of Naples, particularly in the Falerno del Massico and Sannio regions.
Future prospects
The renaissance of Falanghina is proof of the growing interest in indigenous grape varieties and the preservation of Italy's viticultural heritage. With its unique taste and historical significance, Falanghina has the potential to make a name for itself on the international wine market. Winemakers in Campania and beyond rely on this variety to produce high-quality, characterful wines that reflect both the history and terroir of their origin.
Conclusion
Falanghina is more than just an old grape variety; it is a living piece of Italian wine history. With its diverse aromas and unique character, it offers wine lovers an exciting alternative to better-known white wine varieties. The efforts to rediscover and promote Falanghina are helping to bring this noble grape variety back into focus and secure it a well-deserved place in the world of wine. - Gerardo [TS08/24]
| Name | Falanghina | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Grape Variety | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
