RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: Biancolella is an Italian wine grape varietal grown for the most part on the island of Ischia and, to a lesser degree on the islands of Capri and Procida in the Gulf of Naples where it has been cultivated since ancient times and the island of Ponza (Lazio) where it was introduced during the Bourbon era. Some additional mainland in Campania and Lazio producers in southern Italy also grow it.

Though used mostly as a blending grape, some producers bottle it as a mono-varietal. Growing conditions, occasionally, require a monorail train or footpaths on steep hillside vineyards to grow and cultivate the grapes.

The volcanic nature of the soil on Ischia is faithfully reflected in the wines obtained from Biancolella which are mineral, savory, and possess characteristics strongly linked to the territory, determined by the warm and breezy climate and the mineral volcanic soil. With vines that are sometimes centuries old, the vineyards on Ischia are cultivated up to 500 meters or more above sea level, and the resulting temperature variations help develop the aromatic profile of the wines. The powerful volcanic soils found here seem to bring the best out of Biancolella. Instead of the fairly light, neutral expression this variety often displays in other parts of Campania, on Ischia it takes on real flair, with flavors of pineapple and honeysuckle balanced by a distinctive saline and stony character.

Officially registered in the National Catalogue of Vine Varieties since 1970, the finished product can often be quite enjoyable, offering nice fruit with balanced acidity.

https://www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/the-7-best-biancolella-wines-from-lazio-and-campania-chosen-by-gambero-rosso/?utm_term=82117+-+The+7+best+Biancolella+wines+from+Lazio+and+Campania+chosen+by+Gambero+Rosso&utm_campaign=NL+DAILY+ENG&utm_medium=email&utm_source=MagNews&utm_content=8738+-+3798+%282024-04-12%29

(Courtesy of: https://www.quattrocalici.it/)  
 

VIVC: http://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=1332

Parentage: Unknown

Tasting notes: It is known for its straw-yellow color, fruity aroma with pleasant citrus notes, yellow fruit, Mediterranean herbal notes, and distinct almond finish.

On the palate, it presents good freshness and a vein of mineral sapidity.

Food pairings:  The wine obtained from Biancolella pairs very well with seafood cuisine, with first courses based on fish or clams, with shellfish, crustaceans, anchovies, and fish even in fairly substantial preparations.  Also worth trying with buffalo mozzarella, but especially with Ischia-style rabbit 

Sources: (https://www.quattrocalici.it/)  & (https://www.italvinus.it/it/uva/biancolella/)

Production areas: Ischia DOC, Capri DOC, Penisola Sorrentina DOC, Costa D’Amalfi DOC, and Campi Flegrei DOC.

The regulations require a minimum of 85% of the grape in the Ischia DOC Biancolella wine, but many producers prefer to vinify it as a pure variety. (https://www.quattrocalici.it/)

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/biancolella-san-nicola/

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