Biancolella is a white wine grape native to Italy where it is mainly found in Campania. There it grows mainly on the islands off the coast of Naples but also along the Amalfi and Sorrento coast and farther north toward Caserta. Wines that are 100% Biancolella are DOC Ischia Biancolella. DOC Ischia Bianco usually blends Biancolella with Forastera, as well as small percentages of other local natives such as Coglionara and Sanlunardo. Frassitelli (located at 600 metres above sea level) is possibly the island’s one true grand cru.
Viticulture: Biancolella has medium-sized, cylindrical bunches. It buds and flowers early making it at risk from spring frosts and coulure. It’s very sensitive to peronospora (downy mildew).
Wine style: Biancolella wines are always golden tinged, with strong white flower and thyme aromas, flavours of fresh herbs, spearmint, grapefruit, oregano, and a noticeable saline note.
Other names: Biancolella is also known as Jancolella, Janculilla, and similar, very rarely used names.
Wines: Ischia Biancolella DOC. | Ischia Bianco DOC.
Bibliography
Ian D’Agata, Native Wine Grapes of Italy (University of California Press, 2014).
Italian Wine Unplugged (Positive Press, 2017), p.161.