For those who want to try something different and delicious, the Fontanavecchia Falanghina del Sannio is just the wine for you. This ancient Italian grape yields gorgeously ripe, exotic, and full-bodied whites that retain refreshing acidity. Think Viognier crossed with Sauvignon Blanc.
The version from father and son Orazio and Libero Rillo is one of Italy’s finest versions. This is a wine that has taken home multiple Tre Bicchieri awards from Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading wine publication. It’s a major achievement, reserved only for the best of the best of Italian wines, and you get all of this for less than $15.
2019 Fontanavecchia Falanghina del Sannio
“Exotic and expansive yet bright and vivacious.” 92 points – JS
To order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
The wines of Italy’s Campania region remain largely unknown to most Americans. These wines are loaded with personality and strong character and are a direct reflection of the volcanic soils that Campania is known for. Though this region is better known for deep and intense reds like Aglianico, it can also produce some pretty profound whites…..like this one.
Azienda Agricola Fontanavecchia is an ancient property located near the seaside town of Benevento, in the heart of Campania’s Sannio district. Owned for decades by the Rillo family, the estate has established itself as one of Campania’s leading lights. Today, the family’s vineyards are certified organic, and all of the work in the vineyards and the cellars is done in a traditional and intentional fashion. That means hand harvesting and sorting, fermenting with native yeasts, and minimal additives of any sort.
The Rillo’s Falanghina is fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel to preserve purity and freshness. And man, the finished wine is beautiful to look at in the glass. Deep yellow, almost golden in color, you can tell this is going to be a full-bodied white wine. On the palate, it’s packed with all sorts of lusciously ripe tropical fruits. Mango, pineapple, passion fruit, orange zest, and spicy mineral aromas and flavors almost overwhelm the senses. But on the palate, there’s wonderful freshness and nerve. It just works, and it’s delicious.
This is the wine to drink with richer seafood dishes studded with lots of garlic, butter, and olive oil. Shrimp scampi sounds good to me! But trust me, this also works incredibly well as a cocktail/aperitif. Get a few bottles, share some with friends, and be sure to send them our way. Cheers to happy drinking and eating in Asheville!
To order, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville