Pepella

The Pepella grape is one of the rarest and most fascinating native white grapes of the Amalfi Coast, cultivated almost exclusively in the municipalities of Tramonti, Ravello, and Scala in the province of Salerno. This unique variety was first mentioned by the ampelographer Giovanni Battista Rovasenda in 1877 in his Essay about Universal Ampelography, where he described a table grape from Naples known as “Pepe.” Historical research suggests that the grape’s arrival on the Amalfi Coast is relatively recent, dating no earlier than the late nineteenth century.

The name Pepella derives from the distinctive irregularity of its berries: a single bunch can include both normal-sized grapes and others as tiny as a peppercorn. This unusual feature makes the vine instantly recognizable and has contributed to its charm among winemakers and enthusiasts of rare Italian grapes.
Today, the Pepella grape is almost extinct. Only a few ancient vines survive, usually found in mixed vineyards alongside other traditional Amalfi Coast varieties such as Biancatenera, Biancazita, and Ripolo. Together, these grapes are often blended to produce the Costa d’Amalfi DOC white wines, which represent the authentic taste of the region’s historic viticulture.

From a botanical perspective, Pepella grapes are white, small to very small, elliptical in shape, and yellow-green with a waxy skin. The bunch is medium in size, tapered and pyramidal, often winged and loose, while the leaves are pentagonal with five lobes.

Wines made from the Pepella grape are particularly distinctive. They show a straw-yellow colour with greenish reflections and a bouquet that combines fruity and floral aromas, with elegant notes of apricot, honey, and exotic fruits. On the palate, Pepella wines are fresh, balanced, and structured, with a good body that also makes the grape suitable for drying and the production of passito-style wines.

Because of its rarity and near-disappearance, the Pepella grape is considered a heritage variety of the Amalfi Coast, treasured by local producers and wine lovers seeking unique expressions of Italian viticulture. Its limited availability makes every bottle containing Pepella a true hidden gem of Southern Italy.