2016 Cenatiempo Ischia Bianco

Region: Ischia < Campania < Italy
Grapes: Biancolella, Forestera
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming; high altitude (over 600ft), soils featuring the typical “tufo verde”; field blend of grapes that are co-fermented in concrete and stainless steel; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal SO2; 12.5% ABV
Winemaker: Pasquale Cenatiempo

More wine from the Bay of Naples area? Yep – we seriously love volcanic soil whites, and Ischia is the ultimate volcanic island, dramatically jutting out of the Mediterranean, crowned by a dramatic castle. We recently had the pleasure of visiting the island, and the lovely Francesca & Pasquale Cenatiempo, whose family founded the present-day winery nearly 100 years ago, always guided by the notion that wine is made in the vineyards not the cellar. I won’t lie, it was pretty dreamy – we walked the steep, terraced vineyards and the 14th century cellar, ate a lovely meal and drank Pasquale’s beautiful wines while talking global politics late into the night. I have a new appreciation for hard work and passion required to make wine here, as well as for the unique terroir that drives these wines. Biancolella and Forestera are two native vatietals that are grown and fermented together to make this classic island blend. Zesty, salty, and mineral-driven, with some citrus, white flowers and stone fruit. The best beach wine, boat wine, pool wine – party people, stock up!!