A rare pearl, the kind that is hard to find but which, once discovered, gives so many emotions, the daughter of a rich and generous territory like Sannio Beneventano and, specifically, Taburno.

Masseria Frattasi has a history of several centuries behind it and the family merit of never having been brought down either by contingent events or by earthquakes, which more than anything else have sapped the Samnite and Irpinian populations.

The Clemente family has always played a primary role in the enhancement of wine production in the Montesarchio area on the slopes of Mount Taburno and has worked wonders with Falanghina del Sannio (or rather, of Bonea, because this is the true origin of one of the oldest white grape varieties in Europe).

Interesting story that of Falanghina Beneventana, a very old grape abandoned for a long time and confused with the equally famous Falanghina Flegrea, with which it shares part of the name but not the same genetics. Rediscovered almost accidentally in the 1970s while wandering the countryside, it was relaunched by Masseria Frattasi as a more structured wine than the Phlegraean version, with higher alcohol content and fixed acidity, perfectly suited for aging in wood.

Planted on volcanic soils mixed with clay and limestone deposits, at an elevation of just under 500 meters above sea level, Masseria Frattasi’s Falanghina rows range in age from 45 to 120 years old with prephylloxera traces. Harvesting is by hand and is done once overripeness on the plant is reached between the second and third decade of November so as to allow for the designation “late harvest.”

Already awarded in 2016 as Italy’s best white wine by Luca Maroni, the Donna Laura tasting surprises with the complexity, intensity and beauty of this wine dressed in golden yellow. The nose releases hints of peach blossoms alternating with white fruits such as pear and apricot, hazelnut and honey. Acidity and minerality dominate in the mouth, where the sip proves energetic, assertive and direct, but never over the top, closing in an elegant mineral spiral that leaves the mouth particularly clean.

Splendid label affixed to the only 6,000 bottles produced per year (few, very few Magnums and Double Magnums offered exclusively by Winefully) to represent the majolica tiles designed in the 18th century by master potter Giustiniani and recovered following the collapse of the family chapel during the last earthquake in 1980. They used to be trodden on, now they are admired to introduce striking whiteness.