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Winemaker: Andrea d'Ambra

Many wineries say they cultivate old vines, but not ones with roots as far back as 800 BC. Many, too, say their terroir is unique—but few are built on sea-green lava beds wrought by the power of ancient volcanoes and the salty, mineral richness of the Mediterranean sea.

Casa d'Ambra can claim both. We were drawn to Casa d'Ambra not only because of the rich viticultural history of Ischia, a beautiful island off the coast of Naples in Campania, but also for the thrill of discovering grapes and wines that so perfectly embody the power and spirit of the sea.

Founded in 1888, the Casa d'Ambra winery has (and continues to be) a family affair. Francesco d'Ambra, originally from Calabria, founded the estate; yet it was his son, Mario, who established Casa d'Ambra as the authority on Ischian wines from cultivating its unique, native grapes. Today, winemaker and enologist (and nephew of Mario) Andrea d'Ambra runs the estate, managing not only the winery's own vineyards but also the small group of dedicated, local farmers who help to grow grapes for the winery.

Casa d'Ambra cultivates native grapes Biancolella, Forestera and Per'e Palummo that are only found on the volcanic island of Ischia.  Vineyards are carved into volcanic rock, which sport a unusual sea-green color, a result of mineral deposits from the sea. You can really taste this sea salty, mineral influence especially in the estate's white wines—making them a sublime pair for seafood.  

More than 100 years of winemaking excellence, a serious respect for the unique terroir of Ischia, the thoughtful, knowledgeable guidance of the d'Ambra family and the uncompromising quality of their wines make Casa d'Ambra a treasure worth discovering.

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Casa d'Ambra Calitto Ischia Biancolella Bianco 2009 Italy / Campania Ischia is a paradise not only for travelers but for wine lovers too. There are few wines that so effortlessly capture the freshness and intensity of the sea; Biancolella has been cultivated on this volcanic island since Homeric times. While completely dry, this golden-colored white wine is incredibly rich, revealing layers of flavor—sea salt and blood oranges, sautéed lemons and fresh almonds. $22.50

Casa d'Ambra Euposia Ischia Forastera Bianco 2009 Italy / Campania The discovery of an ancient drinking vessel named “Nestor's Cup,” complete with ribald poetry, on Ischia proves that not only did the island's original inhabitants drink well, they had fun doing it. “Euposìa,” ancient Greek for “drink well,” ties history with pleasure (the poetry is up to you.) A pure Forestera wine (grown by just four farmers on the island), “Euposìa” blends aromas of apricots, yellow peaches and the heady scent of Mediterranean maquis... Call 1-800-266-6585 to inquire.

Casa d'Ambra Frassitelli Ischia Biancolella Bianco 2009 Italy / Campania It has been called the most beautiful vineyard in the world. “Frassitelli,” just under 10 acres of Biancolella vines, sits at more than 1,800 feet above the sea, faces southwest, and is carved row by row into the mountain's sea-green volcanic rock. The salt of the wind, the minerals from the volcanic soils, find their way into the wine. $37.00

Casa d'Ambra Aglianico Campania 2008 Italy / Campania It is a rule that where you find volcanoes in Italy, you will too find Aglianico. This full-bodied, powerfully flavored and complex grape prefers the rich volcanic soils of Campania and Basilicata. Call 1-800-266-6585 to inquire.

Casa d'Ambra Calitto Ischia Biancolella Bianco 2008 Italy / Campania This ancient plot, hemmed in by volcanic stone walls and blanketed by clouds created by nearby thermal springs, has always cultivated Ischia's native varietal, Biancolella. Call 1-800-266-6585 to inquire.

Casa d'Ambra Frassitelli Ischia Biancolella Bianco 2008 Italy / Campania It has been called the most beautiful vineyard in the world. “Frassitelli,” just under 10 acres of Biancolella vines, sits at more than 1,800 feet above the sea, faces southwest, and is carved row by row into the mountain's sea-green volcanic rock. The salt of the wind, the minerals from the volcanic soils, find their way into the wine. $37.00

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