Biancolella | Grape variety

The white grape variety Biancolella is mainly cultivated on the island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples, rarely grown as a single variety and usually appreciated as a valuable blending partner. There it develops its full depth of character thanks to the volcanic soils and mild maritime climate, which give the grapes a fine minerality and lively freshness. Pure Biancolella wines display straw-yellow hues, pronounced floral aromas and a delicate fruity sweetness, often reminiscent of white flowers, apple and almond.

On Ischia, Biancolella is often vinified together with Forastera and Per'e Palummo to make single-varietal or cuvée-based white wines, which are produced in small batches and are highly prized by connoisseurs for their elegance and drinkability. Outside the island, the grape can also be found in various Campania DOCs such as Costa d'Amalfi, Campi Flegrei or Penisola Sorrentina, where it is often blended with Falanghina or Greco Bianco to enrich uncomplicated, accessible white wines. In all these wines, Biancolella provides fine spice, lively acidity and the subtle minerality that makes it an indispensable component of well-balanced Mediterranean white wines. - Gerardo [TS05/25]

---