WHAT ARE THE WINES OF THE ISLAND OF ISCHIA?
WHICH ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VINEYARDS NOT TO BE MISSED?
The tradition of wine in Ischia has very ancient origins. The ancient Greeks engaged in the production of wine. In Ischia, the ancient Cup of Nestor is still preserved today, in the Museum of Villa Arbusto in Lacco Ameno. On the cup there is an ancient inscription that reads: "Of Nestore... the cup is good to drink. But whoever drinks from this cup immediately will take the desire of beautiful-crowned Aphrodite." It is therefore understood that the history of wine on Ischia has a millenary tradition.
Today, white wines such as 80% Biancolella and 20% Forastera are produced on the island of Ischia. As for reds, however, the ones mostly produced are 50% Guarnaccia, 40%, Piedirosso and 10% Barbera.
WHICH ARE THE MAJOR WINE PRODUCERS?
There are many routes between the cellars of the island of Ischia. Among the major producers we highlight: the D'Ambra winery, whose most prominent wines are Biancolella, Forastera and Per' e Palummo (foot red to be clear), vinified in purity. This means that the grapes with which they are produced are 90% native. Then there are the classic wines: Ischia DOC both white and red and Frassitelli, one of our favourites, a must try!
For the more curious and lovers of winemaking, the D’Ambra winery organizes all year-round guided tours of the vineyards and their winery together with the museum dedicated to the farmer. The visits also include tastings of wines with local products.
D'Ambra wines: https://www.dambravini.com/
Another noteworthy winery is Cantine Antonio Mazzella. The company was founded in 1940 and is currently in its third generation. Their vines are often difficult to reach and cultivate. This is why they are reached on foot and the grapes are harvested at sea. The cultivated land is located 150m above sea level. This is why they are considered so valuable. In fact, you must know that some of their vines are in some more inaccessible and difficult to reach terrains. In fact, these vines can only be accessed by sea. The land can then be reached by boat and the harvested grapes are transported from the Bay of San Pancrazio where they are located to the ancient village of Ischia Ponte (the closest pier where you can dock). Once arrived, the grapes are unloaded and taken to the Campagnano cellar where the processing takes place first by hand with crushing and pressing and then placed in the ancient cellars dug into the soft tufa rock, where it will remain until bottling. The most renowned and famous production is that of Biancolella and Forastera.
Cantine Antonio Mazzella: https://www.ischiavini.it/azienda/
WHICH ARE THE AWARD-WINNING WINES OF ISCHIA?
Vigna del Lume is among the top 10 white wines of Italy. It was the Bibenda guide of the Italian Sommelier Foundation for Vinitaly who recognized the wine of the Antonio Mazzella Cellars among the best. The wine was in fact awarded among 27,000 wines. Vigna del Lume has been recognized as the most authentic expression of the territory of the island of Ischia. With citrus and white fruit notes such as pear, banana, and bitter almond notes, with a slightly spicy background typical of the Ischia vines. The wine is an excellent match, if eaten with fish-based dishes.
ANDAR PER CANTINE, THE EVENT THAT CELEBRATES THE WINE CULTURE OF ISCHIA EACH YEAR IN SEPTEMBER.
These are tours organized every year for about 20 days in the month of September. Every day there are different tours which are combined with different wineries and routes to visit. The tours include transport with organized minibuses and various tastings in the cellars of both wine and local products. The guides will take you to the cellars and will explain for each one how the famous vinification takes place thanks to which the wine is obtained. There are also 3 special events during these days:
∴ Cantinando sotto le Stelle: visits and dinner will be carried out inside the cellars in the light of the moon and the light of the stars.
∴ One hundred wineries in the middle of the sea: tours with boats are organized, with tours of the island of Ischia.
∴ Visit of the cellars by bike: there are many itineraries that can be done by bike. Through paths, in fact, you can reach the cellars by bike, the breath-taking view is guaranteed!
For more info: https://prolocopanzaischia.it/eventi/andar-per-cantine
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