When the epidemic root louse now known as Phylloxera swept over Europe in the late 1800s, vineyards were decimated and countless grape varieties lost to the ages.  Some among them however, long thought lost, have survived in safe pockets of walled vineyards as well as among remote regions fortunately beyond reach and thereby spared.  There were some vineyards and varieties that endured the onslaught of the worst that nature could deliver but not without a struggle.  Such is the burden borne by Tierra del Principe where they have gradually revived their vineyards of to native Campania varieties including an inimitable Pallagrello Bianco.

 

 

Favored among the House of Bourbon, Pallagrello Bianco was planted among the finest plots within the personal, fan shaped vineyard of Ferdinand IV, King of Naples, Sicily, as well as the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.  As a varietal wine, Pallagrello Bianco shows immediate appeal.  Terre del Principe's is called Fontanavigna named for a fountain and wash house that once stood among the vines near Castel Campagnano where the winery resides to this day.

 

 

 

Fontanavigna is a delicious testimony in favor of resurrecting Pallagrello Bianco.  Many merits stand out not least this nose full of mandarin orange rinds, kiwi and star fruit. Polished on the palate, the mild acidity manages to balance and support ripe apricots with such minerality that together this wine evokes memories of excellent Northern Rhone whites made from Roussanne and in some cases Viognier and yet this was made in southern Italy. It is a cogent harbinger of what Campagnia is truly capable.

 

Paired with oysters this wine hit a stride that few could ever catch.  To think Italy nearly lost Pallagrello Bianco to antiquity seems a tragedy once you taste it -and after trying a glass for yourself, Fontanavigna is sure to find a ready place in your daily life.  Why not stock up while it is yours at 15% off?