Biancolella

What Is Biancolella?

Biancolella is a white grape of Campania, grown mainly on the volcanic island of Ischia in the Bay of Naples. It makes light, dry, fresh whites with citrus, white flowers, herbs and a clear saline finish.

Biancolella is the most important white grape of Ischia, where it has been grown for centuries on steep terraces held up by stone walls. Its origin is not certain. It is also grown on the Amalfi Coast, where it is sometimes known by local names, and on Capri. Ischia was one of the first Italian areas to receive a DOC, in 1966, and Biancolella has been central to its white wines from the start.

Where Biancolella Grows

  • Ischia: across the island, on volcanic tuff soils, often on narrow terraces overlooking the sea.
  • Costa d'Amalfi: around Furore, Tramonti and Ravello, usually blended with Falanghina and other local grapes.
  • Capri: small plantings, in blends.

The climate is mild and Mediterranean, with sea breezes and plenty of sun. The volcanic soils and the sea give the wines their typical mineral, salty character.

Biancolella and Italian Denominations

  • Ischia DOC: includes varietal Ischia Biancolella and the Ischia Bianco blend, often with Forastera.
  • Costa d'Amalfi DOC: Biancolella is part of the white blend, including the Furore, Ravello and Tramonti sub-zones.
  • Capri DOC: a small DOC whose white blend can include Biancolella with Falanghina and Greco.
  • Campania IGT: used for varietal Biancolella and blends from outside the DOC areas.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

  • Fruit: lemon, grapefruit, green apple, pear and a little peach.
  • Other notes: white flowers, broom, Mediterranean herbs, almond and a saline finish.
  • Structure: light to medium body, fresh acidity, moderate alcohol.

Most Biancolella is made in stainless steel and is best within two or three years. Wines from the best terraced vineyards have more depth and can age for several years, developing honey and herbal notes.

Food Pairing

  • Seafood: clams, mussels, prawns and spaghetti with clams.
  • Grilled and baked fish: sea bass, bream and fish all'acqua pazza.
  • Light pasta: pasta with tomatoes, herbs and courgettes.
  • Vegetables: grilled vegetables, stuffed peppers and salads.
  • Fresh cheese: mozzarella di bufala and ricotta.

How to Choose and Where to Start

Start with an Ischia Biancolella DOC, the purest expression of the grape, then try a Costa d'Amalfi white to taste it in a blend. Producers worth knowing include Casa d'Ambra, Cenatiempo, Pietratorcia, Antonio Mazzella, Tommasone, Marisa Cuomo and Feudi di San Gregorio.

Biancolella shares Campania with Falanghina, Fiano and Greco, and the island's red side is led by Piedirosso. Read our best Campania wines, the best wines from Italian islands, the best wines from volcanic soils, or browse the grape varieties index.