Intus, the new Falanghina from Cantine Iannella

In order to talk about this news we must first talk about Sannio, because here grapes and territory are intimately connected and deserve some extra consideration.

I was a guest of Cantine Iannella for 24h and – with the blessing of our Queen of the South, aka Antonella Amodio – I lived, breathed, ate, slept in Sannio.

Let me, as a Venetian, tell you how it went.

Sannio may not be the first production area that comes to mind when we think of Campania, yet it is the most productive area. Let’s talk about quantity and variety, but mostly about identity. Whether Falanghina or Aglianico, Coda di Volpe or Piedirosso.

Sannio

We are in the province of Benevento, one look is enough to understand that the hills here are naturally suited to viticulture. The altitudes can be interesting, Torrecuso (Taburno subzone), where Iannella is located, goes up to 500 meters. And then slopes and exposures.

The horizon is always close, as one relief follows another animating the scenery, averting banality. On the ridges rise the wind turbines, never still. The sun rises, warming in the middle hours and then soon hiding behind one hill or another, ensuring temperature excursions. Soils are thoughtful, moist, rich. Sometimes, however, clay gives way to limestone, some to volcanic backfill matrix.

Here, since time immemorial, the Falanghina over all has found a home. Abandoned, in favor of other early maturing varieties, today it is back as the absolute star.

Falanghina

A non-native variety, its certain origin is Greek. Having immigrated thousands of years ago, however, we can afford to consider it as such. Medium-late maturing, Stands out for natural acidity. Interesting element especially in terms of contemporaneity.

Wise management in the vineyard ensures that it never exceeds the maximum yield from the specification. On an enological level, it lends itself to different interpretations. That seemingly indomitable acidity of his becomes a valuable resource, in terms of versatility and pleasantness.

Intus

From Dante’s neologism intuarsi (9th canto of Paradise), immersing oneself in things. Thus Nietta Iannella, winemaker Ernesto Buono and the whole team have immersed themselves in the world of Falanghina to the point of understanding it intimately. Intus is a 100% Falanghina, IGT Beneventano, that rests for 24 months in Tava amphorae and 24 months in the bottle.

First produced with the 2021, the result is as respectful as it is unique. Harmonious and vibrant, this wine does not lack depth. It knows how to narrate both Falanghina, in its gentler version, and Sannio, generous, savory, multifaceted. The amphora does its job very well, as an oenological tool at the disposal of the producer it does not overpower, but accompanies the wine in an evolution all on the rise. A wine I drank and would drink again.

Just a first step in a process of knowledge and rediscovery of the grape varieties so beloved also by Antonio Iannella, Nietta’s father. He was a true guardian of the Aglianico. The very Aglianico rests at this time in amphora, waiting to discover its fate that only time will reveal.

Pizza and Piedirosso

If Antonio Iannella was the benchmark for Aglianico del Sannio, Ernesto Buono can take pride in the work he and Nietta Iannella are doing with the Piedirosso. Definitely the revelation wine of my stay. Also agreeing is Antonella Amodio, who in her book Goblets and Spicchi, presented at the event (a must-have indeed!) pairs it with “Napoletana Schettino” pizza. San Marzano DOP tomato, Cetara anchovy fillets, garlic orsino, yellow and red datterino, nostrano oregano, Caiatine black olives, cucunci, fresh basil and evo oil.

An explosion of color and Mediterranean-ness…like Piedirosso!

A Torrecuso, which makes just under 3000 inhabitants and as many as 30 wineries, vines and wine have been there forever. Today Cantine Iannella has given us one more reason to return!

100% Falanghina. Finishes fermentation in amphora and rests there for 24 months. 24 months minimum in bottle. Golden yellow with bright highlights. Soft, tame nose. Smells of ripe, creamy yellow fruit. Of rosemary, lavender. Palate is warm and spicy. With present but gentle acidity. Some Mediterranean notes return. Excellent persistence.

100% Piedirosso. Stainless steel. Ruby with deep pink hues. On the nose come clean, precise scents of violet, blackberry, strawberry. Sweet notes of stevia and licorice. Vibrant and mouthwatering palate. Sweet notes reminiscent of carcadè, coconut to finish with verticality and freshness of blueberry. Cozy, soft and ripe tannin.