Denominated Enaria, the wine land, the island preserves a great ampelographic patrimony (AGO PRESS) For almost half a century, the wine of Ischia has held the recognition of Doc wine. It’s 40th anniversary was celebrated last month with a special show. The wine, which bears the name of the island, obtained the Doc seal in 1966, becoming the first Doc in Campagnia and in Italy.Renowned since the 1500’s, The Ischia DOC is gained by Biancolella, Forastera and Piedirosso grapes only grown in Campania on a volcanic rocks land. To understand the connection between the island and the winegrowing, we should remember that Ischia was called Enaria by the ancient Romans, meaning land of wines.
This wine is produced in 7 different categories: white, sparkling white, red, Biancolella, Forestera, Piedirosso (locally known as Per ‘e Palummo) and Piedirosso passito. The white wine, produced by Forestera and Biancolella grapes is straw-coloured, delicate and dry, with a minimum 10.5% alcoholic content. The red one, made from Guarnaccia e Piedirosso, has a ruby colour, dry, tannic in the right proportion, and has a minimum alcoholic content of 11%. The Biancolella: harmonic and dry taste, is straw-coloured with green glints, with a minimum 10.5% alcoholic content. Same straw colour and alcoholic content for the Forestera while the sparkling white has a delicate taste and an alcoholic content of 11.5%. Finally the Piedirosso, with a ruby colour and a content of 11 % alcohol and the Piedirosso passito, with its intense ruby colour, delicate and fresh. The alcoholic strength in this case rises to 14.5 alcohol content.
(Luigi D’Alise)