Ischia

The Protected Designation of Origin "Ischia" includes the following types of wines: White, even superior and sparkling, Red, Forastera, Biancolella, Piedirosso or (Per' and Palummo) and Piedirosso passito (or Per' and Palummo passito).

Grapes

The white "Ischia" and its variants Superiore and Spumante are produced using grapes from vineyards composed of vines Forastera (for a share between 45% and 70%) and Biancolella (30-55%). For the reds, however, the specification provides for a share between 40% and 50% of Guarnaccia and a similar Piedirosso. Wines with an indication of the grape variety, on the other hand, require a minimum percentage of 85% of the corresponding grapes. Finally, in all productions, it is possible to fill the remaining quotas with other grape varieties of similar color and non-aromatic, as long as they are suitable for cultivation in the provincia di Napoli.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The white "Ischia" (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume 10.5% vol.) and the upper white "Ischia" (11.5% vol.) have a straw yellow colour, the intensity of which varies according to the production; the aroma is vinous, delicate and pleasant; the taste is dry, harmonious and full-bodied. The Spumante variant (11.5% vol.) is characterized by a fine and persistent froth, has a delicate aroma and a dry and fresh taste. The red one (11% vol.) is ruby red in colour, with a vinous aroma and dry flavour, medium bodied and rightly tannic. In the single-variety variants (Forastera, Biancolella, Piedirosso or Per' and Palummo and Piedirosso or Per' and Palummo passito) further characteristics, typical of the grapes used, are shown, all punctually reported in the specification.

Grape production area

The production area coincides only with the territory of the "Isola di Ischia" and is characterized by a mild climate, influenced by the presence of the sea.

Specificity and historical notes

Viticulture landed in Ischia thanks to the ancient Eubei who colonized it.