It’s All About the Territory – Falanghina dei Campi Flegrei

Sometimes I take for granted what is around me, right under my nose…. Like a glass of Falanghina from Campi Flegrei.

Villa di Livia, an ancient Roman villa in Pozzuoli was the perfect backdrop for a roundtable discussion on this white wine. Ais Napoli's Tommaso Luongo was the host along with Malazè's Rosario Mattera and representatives from 5 of the area's top wineries; Francesco Martusciello jr (Cantine Grotta del Sole), Vincenzo Di Meo (Azienda La Sibilla), Gerardo Vernazzaro (azienda Astroni), Francesca Adelaide Di Criscio (azienda Quartum) and Giuseppe Fortunato (Contrada Salandra).

So what is in a glass of Falanghina dei Campi Flegrei?…Territory. 120 hectares of territory devoted to this DOC. 120 hectares of sandy volcanic soil. Soil that is rich in potassium. A soil that has its challenges, but gives satisfaction as well.

Territory…territory that you will note in its light straw color, smell as you take in the herbs, then light fresh fruity aromas.

Territory that most of all you will taste. Fresh, dry, different from its sister in Sannio…The sea in your glass…mare.

Territory…once rediscovered, can be understood, appreciated and probably no longer taken for granted.

Territory that Malazè along with Ais Napoli was able to share with me and those around me last Monday.

Territory in a glass.

A glass of Falanghina dei Campi Flegrei.