Falerno del Massico bears a name with more than two thousand years of history. The ancient Ager Falernus, the countryside between Mount Massico and the Volturno river in northern Campania, produced Falernum, the most celebrated wine of Rome, praised by Horace and Pliny. The modern DOC, recognised in 1989, covers the municipalities of Sessa Aurunca, Cellole, Carinola, Falciano del Massico and Mondragone, in the province of Caserta, between the sea and the heights of Massico and the extinct volcano of Roccamonfina.
The wine of the Romans
Vines arrived here with Greek-Mycenaean settlers, were taken up by the Etruscans and flourished in Roman times. Falernian was classified by vineyard altitude into Caucinum, Faustianum and Falernum, and travelled to every province of the Empire in terracotta amphorae marked with the pittacium, the label of the time, which stated the type of wine, the vintage and the origin of the grapes. For more than 500 years it was the wine of Rome's wealthy classes.
The appellation today
It is a small DOC: about 118 hectares and 3,460 hectolitres. The Bianco requires at least 85% Falanghina. The Rosso calls for at least 60% Aglianico, with Piedirosso up to 40%. The Primitivo requires at least 85% Primitivo, completed by Aglianico, Barbera and Piedirosso. Minimum alcohol is 12%.
Rosso and Primitivo cannot be released before 1 January of the second year after the harvest; the Riserva or Vecchio versions age for at least two years, one of them in cask. The volcanic soils and maritime climate give warm, full reds with dark fruit, spice and firm tannins; Falanghina is savoury, with aromas of white flowers and yellow fruit.
At the table
Falanghina goes with buffalo mozzarella, fish and fried food; Rosso and Primitivo suit Neapolitan ragù, grilled meat, lamb and aged cheeses. In the same region, further inland, Aglianico gives its most important wine in Taurasi.
