Wines of Ischia
The wines of Ischia: Biancolella, Forastera, Per'e Palummo
Ischia's vines grow out of volcanic stone, often on terraces, above the sea. They give wines that taste of sun, rock and salt — unmistakable.
01
Biancolella
The island's leading white. Native grape, grown everywhere, with a character that shifts by exposure. Straw yellow, notes of broom and almond, saline, mineral. The perfect pairing for raw seafood and spaghetti alle vongole.
02
Forastera
Another native white, historically grown for long keeping. More structured than Biancolella, with aromatic herbs and yellow fruit. Excellent with grilled fish and fish soup.
03
Per'e Palummo (Piedirosso)
Ischia's red. The name means 'pigeon's foot', after the colour of the grape stem. Medium-bodied, easy-drinking, red fruit and minerality. It surprises with coniglio all'ischitana and with red-fleshed fish like tuna.
04
The Ischia DOC
The Ischia DOC dates from 1966 — one of the first in Campania. It covers whites, reds, sparkling and passito. Historic producers are a few dozen small family estates: Casa D'Ambra, Antonio Mazzella, Cenatiempo, Pietratorcia, Cantine di Crateca, among others.
05
Where to taste them
In restaurants that champion local cooking, and in the wine shops of the wine villages (Forio, Panza, Serrara Fontana). Many wineries welcome visitors by appointment.