Falanghina Rocca dei Leoni Bianco IGP

Francesco Paolo Avallone founded Villa Matilde in the early 1960s. A lawyer by profession, his passionate interest in the classics led him to investigate a 3,000-year-old wine favored by ancient Roman poets and emperors: the “immortal Falerno.” His decade-long quest led to the development of prime clones of Aglianico, Piedirosso and Falanghina. Today, twenty original clones of the three varieties are trademarked by Villa Matilde, and Francesco Paolo’s son and daughter, Salvatore “Tani” and Maria Ida Avallone, continue their father’s legacy. Villa Matilde extends four properties, two within the Falerno del Massico DOC appellation (province of Caserta): and two in the Benevento and Avellino provinces. The Avallones have also reached an enviable goal: zero greenhouse gas emissions on all properties.

The Rocca dei Leoni estate extends 30 hectares (74 acres) is located in the heart of Benevento’s Sannio area between three valleys. The entire expanse of vineyards enjoys volcanic soil, rich in phosphorus and potassium, and features lush vegetation, with cherry, fir, chestnut and walnut trees. Aglianico and Falanghina grapes particularly benefit from excellent hillside exposures and considerably steep hillsides. The vines are also very old, which contributes to the wine’s excellent structure and aromatic profile.

This wine is made from pure Falanghina from very old vines located 400 meters (1,310 feet) above sea level with volcanic soil mixed with grey tuff, cinder and black pumice stone. A lovely, easy-drinking wine with intense fruity and floral aromas, nuanced tropical fruit and white peach. Crisp and refreshing, it is meant to enjoyed in its youth, ideally in the first two years.