Aia dei Colombi Falanghina
Falanghina is the queen in Southern Italy. It is predominantly found in Campania and the star white of the region. There is a little grown in Puglia and Abruzzo regions of Italy. Falanghina arrived on the shores surrounding the Bay of Naples roughly 2,800 years ago with settlers from Thessaly in ancient Greece. Named for the Greek word “falango” referring to the stake used to train the vines.
Aia dei Colombi Falanghina 2019
Falanghina del Sannio DOC
Campania, Italy
The Pascale family come from a long line of viticulturists. The 20 hectare Azienda Agricola Aia dei Colombi was founded in 2002. Located east of Naples in the chalky, limestone & clay hills of Campania. They bring their passion and knowledge previous generations. Their goal is to grow grapes and produce wines that truly and uniquely express the inherent terroir of the vineyard sites. The estate produces Falanghina, Fiano, and Aglianico. Farming methods follow the traditional with minimal to zero intervention - no or little use of chemicals, hand harvested, use of ambient yeasts. This particular wine was cool fermented in stainless steel for 5-6 months in order to preserve the freshness and aromatics.
Pour into the glass pale lemon color
Swirl and the fragrance of freshly picked ripe peaches & nectarines jump out of the glass along with lemon, pear, minerals and honeysuckle.
Sip and the creamy, slightly oily textured wine with a fresh, lively weighted acidity and medium bodied wine. The flavors of peach, nectarine, apricot kernel, orange peel, lemon, pear, grass, honeysuckle, hazelnut, almond, brioche & honey finishes on a shiny mineral note.
This is an intriguing type of wine - it has freshness, good acidity and excellent harmony. I for one fell in love with it at first taste. If you are a fan of Chardonnay this is one to give a try.
I paired it with a Seafood Stew (local clams, shrimp, tomato broth topped with fried garlic, lemon zest, toasted panko crumbs & parsley) - this is a wine that shines with seafood.
