Ginestra

The Ginestra grape is a rare and fascinating white grape variety that has been cultivated in Campania since at least 1825, when Acerbi mentioned it among the local vines thriving in the area around Naples. Today, its cultivation is concentrated almost exclusively along the Amalfi Coast, in the municipalities of Scala, Ravello, Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, Furore, Tramonti, Corbara and Positano. In some of these areas, the grape is better known under the local names Biancazita or Biancatenera, highlighting its strong cultural and historical connection to this unique region of southern Italy.

The Ginestra vine owes its name to the fragrant scent of its berries, reminiscent of wild broom flowers (“ginestra” in Italian). This aromatic profile is particularly valued in winemaking, as it contributes distinctive floral notes to the wines produced from it. Over time, with aging, these floral tones evolve into more complex hydrocarbon notes, a characteristic often associated with prestigious grape varieties such as Riesling. This makes Ginestra an intriguing variety not only for its heritage but also for its oenological potential, capable of producing wines that are both elegant and long-lived.

From an agronomic perspective, the Ginestra grape demonstrates an excellent ability to accumulate sugars while still maintaining consistently high acidity. This natural balance results in wines that combine freshness, structure, and aromatic intensity. The grape is classified as a complementary vine and forms an important part of the ampelographic base of the DOC Costa d’Amalfi Bianco, where it is often blended with other indigenous grapes of Campania such as Fenile, Ripoli, and Biancolella.

The grape itself has distinctive physical characteristics. The berries are white, medium-sized, and elliptical, with a yellow-green, slightly waxy skin that helps protect them from the coastal climate. The bunches are medium-long, conical-pyramidal in shape, compact and simple, while the leaves are medium-large, wedge-shaped, and three-lobed, typical of many Mediterranean grape varieties.

Wines produced from Ginestra grapes are immediately recognizable for their intense straw-yellow color, lively acidity, and expressive bouquet of floral aromas. On the palate, they show freshness, balance, and a solid structure that makes them excellent companions to seafood dishes, shellfish, and traditional Campanian cuisine. The floral character, combined with the mineral complexity imparted by the steep terraced vineyards of the Amalfi Coast, creates wines of remarkable personality and terroir expression.