Italian wine is difficult to comprehend. Within its 20 wine growing regions, it's estimated that there are anywhere between 350 to 2,000 grape varieties found in Italy, which may or may not appear on their esoteric labels. Adding to this, there seems to be a synonym for each varietal, and loose wine laws don't do much for paving the way towards enlightenment. It can be frustrating to begin an Italian wine journey, but I would argue that no other major wine growing country rewards persistence quite like Italy.
Case in point, today's wines come from the island of Ischia, located off the coast of Naples and part of the Campania wine region. While the wines we sampled were so interesting and delicious on their own merit, a bit of research quickly turned a tasting, into an experience.
Ischia has been producing wine since 700 BC when, in Roman times, it was called Enaria - meaning "land of vines". While it may be new to you, it has quietly enjoyed a reputation for high quality wine for thousands of years. In fact, it's so esteemed that shortly after Italian wine labelling laws were created, in 1966, Ischia and Frascati shared the distinction of being the 2nd DOC's created in Italy. (Vernaccia di San Gimignano was established a few weeks earlier, and is the 1st).
Given the popularity of Italian wine, we find it fascinating that a region boasting thousands of years of quality winemaking, and it's place in the DOC creation totem pole, remains so obscure. Even more compelling, Ischia built its reputation using the obscure native varietals Biancolella, and Forastera for whites and largely Piedirosso for reds. The region is influenced by strong winds, with vines sitting over poor volcanic soil made of pumice-stone and obsidian.
The following 2 pack transmits its unique terroir via the lens of a white and red example. These were crafted in a fresh and vibrant style meant to be enjoyed any time. No need for decanting or cellaring. We invite you to discover this discreet region, that's helped define Italian & Mediterranean wine since day 1.
2024 Antonio Mazzella Biancolella Ischia DOC - Biancolella has long been the star of Ischia's mighty whites and the aromas scream its Mediterranean origins. Calming note of honeydew melon, gardenias, dried tropical fruits, marjoram, sage, oyster shells and roasted almonds greet from the glass. The palate displays a lively acidity that simultaneously brings forth its mineral-rich, silky texture that seamlessly glides towards a salty, floral and slightly nutty finish.
2024 Antonio Mazzella Per' e Palummo Ischia DOC - Per' e Palummo (dove's foot) is the local name given to the Piedirosso varietal. If you're a fan of other Italian floral reds such as Lacrima, Brachetto or Pelaverga, this is the wine for you. Highly aromatic notes of raspberries, red plums, red and purple flowers, dried thyme and baking spices leap from the glass. The palate is awakened by a fresh acidity that introduces a soft, silky minerality that eases into a slight velvet tannic touch. The finish is fruity, floral, herbal and spicy with a hint of saline. Best served with a slight chill.
About The Producer:
The Antonio Mazzella estate has been producing wines since 1940.
Located on the southern side of the island at 150m above sea level, the road and soil conditions were poor, and as a result, cultivating grapes was difficult at the best of times. Not to unperturbed, the Mazzella family persevered, and today the area is productive and sustainable with 10 hectares of land under vine.
Here, local varieties Biancolella, Forastera & Piedirosso grapes are grown in steep inclines, with the terraces facing the sea, the wine makers use a monorail to navigate the site.
Harvesting and pressing is done by hand in the winery where the wine process begins, the must is left to mature in ancient cellars dug into the tufa rock for 3 to 5 days, followed by 5 months fermentation in stainless steel tanks where they remain until they are transported to another part of the island for final bottling & release.