Falanghina

What Is Falanghina?

Falanghina is a white grape of Campania in southern Italy, and one of the region's most popular wines: fresh, floral and fruity, with citrus, apple and a crisp, mineral finish. It is grown around Benevento, on the volcanic soils of the Campi Flegrei near Naples, and along the Amalfi Coast.

Falanghina is an ancient grape, and many believe it is related to the vines that produced Falernian, the most celebrated wine of ancient Rome. Its name is usually linked to the Latin falanga, the wooden stakes once used to support the vines. There are two main forms: Falanghina Flegrea, from the coast around Naples, and Falanghina Beneventana, from the inland hills of the Sannio. Like Fiano and Greco, it was close to disappearing in the twentieth century and was revived from the 1970s onwards.

Where Falanghina Grows

  • Sannio (Benevento): the largest area, in the inland hills of the province of Benevento.
  • Campi Flegrei: the volcanic "burning fields" west of Naples, with sandy volcanic soils where many vines are still ungrafted.
  • Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast: volcanic slopes and steep terraces above the sea.
  • Falerno del Massico: in northern Campania, the area of ancient Falernian.
  • Irpinia: around Avellino, alongside Fiano and Greco.

Falanghina and Italian Denominations

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

  • Fruit: lemon, orange peel, green apple, pear and pineapple.
  • Other notes: white flowers, broom, herbs and a mineral, sometimes salty finish.
  • Structure: light to medium body, fresh acidity, dry and clean.

Most Falanghina is made to drink young, fresh and aromatic. Volcanic versions from the Campi Flegrei are more mineral, while lees-aged and single-vineyard wines from top producers gain texture and can age for several years.

Food Pairing

  • Seafood: spaghetti with clams, fried calamari, grilled fish and crudo.
  • Buffalo mozzarella: a natural match from the same region.
  • Pizza: a Neapolitan pizza margherita or with seafood.
  • Vegetables: grilled vegetables, fried courgette flowers and salads.
  • Light starters: antipasti, fritto misto and frittata.

How to Choose and Where to Start

For an easy, inexpensive introduction, choose a Falanghina del Sannio. For more character, try a Campi Flegrei Falanghina from the volcanic soils near Naples, from producers such as Cantine Astroni. Other names worth knowing include Feudi di San Gregorio, Mustilli, La Guardiense, Villa Dora and Marisa Cuomo on the Amalfi Coast.

Falanghina is one of Campania's three great white grapes, with Fiano and Greco. Read our best Falanghina wines, the best Campania wines, or browse the grape varieties index.