Falanghina grape
Falanghina is a white grape known for pear, citrus, floral. Its best-known homes are Campania.
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
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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