Another reason to love the Amalfi Coast … great wines. Located in the Campania region of Italy, this region is also an official DOCG, 1 of 12 in Italy.  DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garatita) and DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) are the wine region standards created by the Italian government in the 1960s to control wine productions outlining boundaries, maximum yields, specified grape varieties and production methods. DOCG is similar to DOC but more stringent. Within the Campania DOCG are 18 DOCs of which Costa d’Amalfi is one.

Tiers of vineyards grow all along the coast in the warm Mediterranean sun and sea air among the olive tree and lemon groves producing distinctive grapes. The 3 sub category DOCs within Costa d’ Amalfi are Furore, Ravello and Tramonti, named after these areas they grow in.

My favorite wine during our recent trip was grown in Furore and produced in Ravello… Costa d’Amalfi Furore Bianco 2009 produced by Marisa Cuomo. This wine is 60% Falanghina grape (a DOC requirement for whites from this area) and 40% Bianotella grape. The Falanghina is a mild grape with lots of citrus and floral flavors.  Marisa and her husband, winemaker Andrea Ferraioli, are known for their work with this grape. The reds they produce blends the two local grapes Piedirosso (berry fruit and cinnamon notes, DOC requires 40% of this grape) and Aglianico (the powerful southern Campania grape, DOC requires up to 60% of this or Sciascino grape).

Furore Bianco had great aromas of banana, pineapple and honey with a taste that was balanced, dry, slightly fruity with honey notes.

Cheers to a new favorite I’m going enjoy back home!