Falanghina is an ancient Italian white wine grape, reportedly of Greek origin. It is also said that Falanghina is the grape variety behind Falernian, the most famous wine of Roman antiquity. There has been a renaissance of interest in Falanghina since the turn of the century, and there is now a movement to restore the reputation of this once venerated grape.
Most Falanghina is grown in Campania, in southern Italy. The vines thrive in the porous volcanic soils around Mt. Vesuvius and the warm Mediterranean climate. The berries are yellow-skinned and coated with a thin layer of protective wax.
As a wine, Falanghina can have a slightly pine scent, but is better known for its citrus blossom aromas, in particular bitter orange. On the palate it typically shows classic apple and pear flavors, depending on where it is grown, with spicy or mineral notes.
Though it is increasingly fashionable, Falanghina isn’t yet planted much outside Campania. There is a little in Puglia and Abruzzo, but as yet no international production. Falanghina is often blended with other indigenous Italian varieties, or produced as a sweet passito wine, but varietal expressions of this interesting grape are becoming more popular.
There are at least two sub-varieties of Falanghina (Falanghina Flegrea and Falanghina Beneventana). The best known production zones are Falerno del Massico and Sannio.
Synonyms include: Falanghina Greco.
Food matches include:
Europe: Pizza con pera, noci e rucola (pizza with pear, walnuts and rocket)
Australasia/Oceania: Crispy orange beef with steamed broccoli
