Falanghina del Sannio DOC: Campania’s Iconic White Wine from Ancient Vines

What is Falanghina del Sannio DOC?

Falanghina del Sannio DOC is one of Italy’s most expressive Campania white wines, celebrated for its crisp acidity, citrus-driven flavors, and mineral backbone. Established in 2011, this appellation honors the Falanghina grape, an ancient variety linked to Roman winemaking. Today, it is recognized as one of the best Italian white wine DOCs, with styles ranging from still to sparkling (spumante) and even sweet (passito).

History and Origins

Viticulture in the Sannio wine region predates the Roman Empire, but Falanghina del Sannio DOC was formally established in 2011. It consolidated older DOC zones—Solopaca, Guardia Sanframondi (Guardiolo), Sant’Agata dei Goti, and Taburno—into one unified appellation.

The grape’s name likely derives from falangae, the wooden stakes used by Romans to support vines. Scholars believe Falanghina may have contributed to Falernian wine, one of antiquity’s most prized wines.

Where It’s Made: Geography & Terroir

The vineyards of Falanghina del Sannio stretch across Benevento province, with elevations from 200–650 meters. The terroir is a mosaic: calcareous clay, limestone, volcanic ash, and gravel-rich soils—all influencing the wine’s hallmark minerality.

Subzones often appear on labels (Taburno, Solopaca, Sant’Agata dei Goti, Guardia Sanframondi), offering Burgundy-like terroir distinction.

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The Grape (or Blend)

• Falanghina (≥85%) – The backbone of the DOC.
  
• Other non-aromatic white grapes (≤15%) may be blended.
  

Styles:

• Bianco (still white)
  
• Spumante (sparkling, also Metodo Classico)
  
• Vendemmia Tardiva (late harvest)
  
• Passito (dessert wine)
  

Winemaking & DOC Regulations

• Bianco: ≥ 11% ABV
  
• Spumante: ≥ 11.5% ABV (12% for subzones), 12 months lees aging for Metodo Classico
  
• Vendemmia Tardiva: ≥ 13% ABV
  
• Passito: ≥ 16% potential ABV
  

These rules preserve the grape’s character across still, sparkling, and sweet styles.

Key Facts at a Glance

Feature	Details
DOC Established	2011
Region	Benevento, Campania
Grape Variety	Falanghina (≥85%)
Subzones	Solopaca, Guardia Sanframondi, Sant’Agata dei Goti, Taburno
Styles	Bianco, Spumante, Vendemmia Tardiva, Passito
Vineyard Area	~1,359 ha
Annual Production	~46,100 hl

Comparison: Campania’s White Wine Icons

Wine DOC	Grape(s)	Style Profile	Character
Falanghina del Sannio DOC	Falanghina	Still, sparkling, sweet	Crisp, citrusy, mineral-driven
Fiano di Avellino DOCG	Fiano	Still white	Complex, honeyed, smoky
Greco di Tufo DOCG	Greco	Still white	Full-bodied, structured, savory

Tasting Notes

• Look: Pale straw yellow with greenish highlights
  
• Nose: Citrus, white peach, wild herbs, jasmine, and almond blossom
  
• Palate: Lively acidity, orchard fruit, saline minerality, medium body
  
• Sweet Styles: Rich, honeyed, with candied citrus
  

Serving & Pairing

• Serving Temperature: 10–12 °C
  
• Pairings:
  
  • Seafood: oysters, grilled octopus, shellfish
    
  • Pastas: linguine alle vongole, lemony risottos
    
  • Cheeses: mozzarella di bufala, ricotta
    
  • Passito: pair with pastries, biscotti, or blue cheeses
    

Producer Spotlights

• Feudi di San Gregorio – Elegant expressions with minerality and citrus depth.
  
• La Guardiense – A cooperative known for fresh, floral, and food-friendly Falanghina.
  
• Corte Normanna – Boutique producer delivering citrus-led and terroir-driven wines.
  

External linking opportunity: Link to these producers’ official websites or product pages for authenticity and user utility.

Where to Buy & Pricing

• Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina del Sannio DOC – €11–15
  
• La Guardiense Falanghina del Sannio DOC – £10–12
  
• Corte Normanna Falanghina del Sannio DOC – $18–20
  

FAQ on Falanghina del Sannio DOC

• Q: What food goes best with Falanghina?
  A: Light seafood, white meats, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes are perfect matches.
• Q: Is Falanghina always dry?
  A: Most are crisp and dry, but Vendemmia Tardiva and Passito styles offer sweetness.
• Q: Is Falanghina related to Falernian wine?
  A: Likely yes—the grape’s ancestry may connect it to wines revered in ancient Rome.

Fun Facts & Cultural Notes

• The grape’s name comes from ancient vine poles (falangae).
  
• Sannio thrives on cooperative winemaking culture, especially with La Guardiense.
  
• Alongside Fiano and Greco, Falanghina completes Campania’s trio of white wine icons.

Ready to taste Campania’s ancient white wine? Share your favorite Falanghina del Sannio DOC experience—or tell us how you’d pair it with your next seafood dinner. Tag #DrinkItalian to join the conversation.

Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages 
Send us an email if you want to suggest edits, or if you are looking for more info, at
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If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta  

Additionally, you can discover the other wines from campania.