Falanghina

The Falanghina is an ancient white grape variety native to the Campania, today considered one of the symbols of the winemaking revival of southern Italy. Thanks to its natural freshness, to the floral and fruity aromas and to the versatility in the winery, Falanghina is today among the most appreciated Italian whites, both for everyday drinking and for refined pairings.

The grape variety is grown mainly in the provinces of Benevento, Caserta e Naples, where it gives rise to wines fresh, fragrant, mineral and highly drinkable.

Origin and spread

  • Region: Campania

  • Main areas: Sannio Beneventano, Campi Flegrei, Caserta, Irpinia

  • Soils: volcanic, clay and sandy, often rich in minerals

  • There are two main biotypes:

    • Falanghina Beneventana (more acidic and vertical)

    • Falanghina Flegrea (softer and more aromatic)

Ampelographic characteristics

  • Bunch: medium, compact

  • Berry: medium-small, thick, bloomy skin, yellow tending to golden

  • Excellent adaptability to volcanic and hillside soils

  • It prefers warm climates with a good diurnal temperature range

  • Ripening: mid-late

Sensory profile of the wine

Colour:

  • Bright straw yellow, with greenish or golden highlights

Aromas:

  • White flowers: orange blossom, hawthorn

  • Fruit: green apple, pear, citrus, peach

  • Mineral notes: chalk, wet stone

  • In the best examples: hints of herbs and tropical fruit

Palate:

  • Fresh, dry, mineral, with lively acidity

  • Medium-light structure, very easy-flowing

  • A savoury finish, at times slightly almondy

Main appellations

Appellation Notes
Falanghina del Sannio DOC The most widespread and structured version
Campi Flegrei Falanghina DOC More saline and subtle, thanks to the volcanic soils
Guardia Sanframondi DOC Falanghina grown on limestone and volcanic soils
Beneventano Falanghina IGT A freer, more immediate varietal version

Food pairings

  • Mediterranean salads, caprese, grilled vegetables

  • Grilled fish, fried fish, stuffed squid

  • Shellfish, prawn tartare, tuna carpaccio

  • Pasta alle vongole, lemon linguine, seafood risotto

  • Fresh cheeses, mozzarella di bufala campana

Why choose a wine made from Falanghina?

It offers immediate freshness and great versatility with food
It represents thethe volcanic and maritime identity of Campania
Perfect for aperitifs, light dishes and Mediterranean cooking
Excellent value for money, including in organic or natural versions

Falanghina: My personal top three

  • 1
    CRuNa deLago 2019 - La Sibilla

    CRuNa deLago 2019 - La Sibilla

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Campania, Campi Flegrei, Italy
    Discover this wine
  • 2
    Costa d’Amalfi Bianco “Furore” 2024 - Marisa Cuomo

    Costa d’Amalfi Bianco “Furore” 2024 - Marisa Cuomo

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Campania, Costa d'Amalfi, Italy
    Discover this wine
  • 3
    Campania IGP “Levata” 2022 - Monserrato 1973

    Campania IGP “Levata” 2022 - Monserrato 1973

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Beneventano, Campania, Italy
    Discover this wine

All those I have tried