Vesevo Beneventano Falanghina

Vesevo is situated in the Irpinian hills of Campania. Known as the 'Switzerland of the South', this is now one of Italy's most exciting wine producing areas. The vineyards are situated at between 450 to 700 metres above sea level and are subject to a constant cool breeze that blows off the Bay of Naples. Over the centuries, this same breeze has blown volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius inland, to give the soil here a poor, volcanic character.

The flavours obtained in the vineyard are then preserved in the winery by Antonio Melone. The Aglianico is from the warmer area of Benevento and is a fine and affordable example of one of Italy's greatest grapes. The Taurasi is in a class of its own. Concentrated and complex, it boasts intense flavours of red berries, cherry and spice.

Both whites are fermented at lower "New Zealand-esque" temperatures (13-14°C), resulting in much purer flavours being captured. The Greco di Tufo is scented yet dry, with a lovely texture and a panoply of subtle flavours filling the glass. The Falanghina shows delicate perfumes of white flowers with mineral notes to complement the full, ripe palate.

Falanghina,

The vineyards are situated between 450-550 metres above sea level and benefit from a cool breeze that blows off the Bay of Naples. This same breeze has, over the centuries, blown volcanic ash from Vesuvius inland, giving the soil here a volcanic character rich in minerals and trace elements. This lends a great depth of flavour to the grapes.

The flavours obtained in the vineyard were then preserved in the winery. The must was chilled immediately and fermented at typical New Zealand temperatures (12-14°C) rather than the higher fermentation temperatures (18-20°C) that are so prevalent in Italy. The wine remained in stainless steel tanks until bottling, with no oak and no malolactic fermentation. Lees stirring took place to impart more flavour and body to the wine.

Falanghina can be considered a semi-aromatic variety. This example shows its intense and luscious fruit aromas as well as its balanced acidity providing length and freshness on the palate. The wine is medium-bodied, well balanced, with an intense finish.