Wine of the Week: Casa D’Ambra Ischia Bianco

Ciao Tutti!

Since our weekend forecast is sunny with higher temperatures we have endured over recent weeks, this weekend we will taste a white wine, the Ischia Bianco DOC ($23.25, 12.5% ABV), from the Casa D ’Ambra winery in Forio, a town on the island of Ischia overlooking the Bay of Naples. To get into the spirit, I watched Stanley Tucci’s “Searching for Italy” segment on Campania again. As a boat transported him from Naples to Ischia, he looked back at the Amalfi coastline and remarked it was one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and I certainly agree. 

Viticulture on this small island mountain is challenging; the slopes are steep with dry stacked stone retaining walls called “parracine” and stone stairs; both the searing sun and wind bear down on the workers as they begin their harvest at sea level and end at 1000 feet above. All their work is done by hand and the grapes are placed into small wood boxes for transport. 

The soil is terraced with the same green tuff (light green porous rock formed from Mt. Vesuvius’ eruptions) that blankets the island. One has to be as fit as a mountaineer to harvest the grapes from their vines clinging to the steep slopes, but the reward is an unobstructed, spectacular view of Naples’ coastline!

The story of Casa D’ Ambra begins in 1888 when Francesco D’ Ambra began growing grapes for bulk production. The second generation changed their focus to the production of prestigious wines. Casa D’ Ambra achieved that goal and it is now managed by the third and fourth generations, father Andrea and his daughters Marina and the enologist, Sara. 

Casa D’ Ambra’s Ischia Bianco DOC is a light to medium bodied white wine and is a blend of the indigenous grapes Biancolella and Forestera. It is a customer favorite for its aroma of citrus and white flowers with hints of sea spray; flavors of green apple, pear and white peach, with a dry and minerally finish. Its perfetto pairing is seafood, especially shellfish, grilled fish or light pasta dishes. So forget pasta with ragu this weekend and come join me Friday from noon to 5:45 or Saturday from noon to 4:45 to taste this refreshing white wine.

Cin Cin, 

Jenn

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.