2021 Cantine Carlo Mazzella Ischia Biancolella

Responsibly Farmed
Hidden Gem

Sancerre, Gruner Veltliner, Vermentino lovers – This one’s for you. Grown on the volcanic island of Ischia, this wine quite literally tastes like the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Our director of imports enjoyed this wine for the first time with a large bowl of pasta alla vongole after an ocean dip. “The salty sea still lingering on my lips and this light, crisp wine on that hot day was unparalleled.”

Organic farming practices, hand-harvested, native yeast fermentation, minimal intervention winemaking.

White
  • Tasting Notes lime, green apple, white peach, jasmine, hawthorn, pine, ocean spray, bitter almond
  • Variety Biancolella
  • Region Italy, Campania
  • Volume 750ml
  • Alcohol Volume 12%
  • Table Talk Biancolella is a native grape from the island of Ischia, Procida, Capri and the whole Amalfi coast. It's a true hidden gem and incredibly rare to find off the Islands of Southern Italy.

$25.00

Out of stock

Carlo Mazzella is a third generation winemaker from the Italian island of Ischia. Founded in 1959, Carlo’s family has about 12 acres of vines grown in volcanic soils alongside the islands steep terraces. Carlo uses a hands off approach in the vineyards and winery. He farms sustainably, harvests by hand, ferments with native yeasts and only uses stainless steel vessels to let the “vineyard do the talking.” Biancolella’s roots are still being argued, but whether it’s of Greek or French origin, it found its home on the island of Ischia a couple hundred years ago. It thrives in the volcanic soils of the island and likes a good view. There is an extremely small amount of this wine produced, and therefore doesn’t get the attention it deserves! The grape produces wines that are beautifully refreshing and exceptionally light.

“In August of 2021 my husband and I finally got to take our long awaited honeymoon that was halted by Covid travel restrictions. We ventured to the Amalfi coast and landed on the island of Ischia. I had heard of Biancolella before, but wasn’t super familiar with the grape. We stayed at the Mezzatorre Hotel, a refurbished castle built in the 16th century that is arguably my favorite place on earth. It is also where I tasted the Biancolella from Carlo Mazzella for the first time. It was Ferragosto, a term the Ischian locals use to describe the sweltering heat of August and it’s when they lean into the leisure lifestyle of their summer holiday. My husband and I had just taken a swim in the sea and we walked up the mountainside to have some lunch. I ordered a large bowl of pasta alla vongole and a bottle of Carlo Mazella Biancolella. The salty sea still lingering and the crisp, refreshing glass of wine on that hot day was unparalleled. I fell in love with the wine, got connected with the winemaker on the island, and the rest is history. This wine is extremely special to me and I am so excited to finally be able to share it with you.” – Lexi Jones, Director of Imports