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Falanghina grape

White grape

Falanghina is a white grape known for pear, citrus, floral. Its best-known homes are Campania.

StyleWhite
Body●●●○○ (3/5)
FlavoursPear, citrus, floral
Key regionsCampania

Origin and history

An ancient Campanian grape, possibly named after the 'falanga' stakes vines were trained on; DNA shows two distinct varieties, Falanghina Flegrea and Falanghina Beneventana.

Where it grows

Campania: Sannio and Benevento (Falanghina del Sannio DOC, Taburno), Campi Flegrei near Naples, and the Massico hills; small plantings elsewhere in southern Italy.

Structure

Medium body, fresh medium-plus acidity and moderate alcohol; usually dry and unoaked, with a slightly oily, textured mid-palate.

Aromas, young and aged

Young: pear, lemon, orange blossom, apricot and a saline touch. With age: honey, almond, beeswax and dried citrus peel.

Ageing

Most is best within 1–3 years; top Sannio and Campi Flegrei examples can develop well for 5–8 years.

Also known as

Falanghina Flegrea, Falanghina Beneventana (genetically distinct).

Good to know

It is often romantically linked to the Romans' prized Falernian wine, but no genetic or documentary proof of that connection exists.

Wine regions for Falanghina

MoliseCampania

Similar white grapes

ChardonnayGodelloGarnacha BlancaXarel·loEncruzadoPinot BlancMuscatChenin Blanc

Explore all grapes in the interactive guide

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