An island white shaped by volcanic soil and sea air

Casa D’Ambra Ischia Bianco is a bright, coastal white made for seafood, long lunches and generous tables. It comes from Ischia in the Bay of Naples, where vineyards climb volcanic slopes and the sea is never far from view.

The wine brings together the island’s two traditional white grapes, Biancolella and Forastera, in equal proportions. The result is fresh and quietly expressive, with citrus, white stone fruit, delicate herbs and a clean saline finish.

It feels light on its feet, but it is not thin. Gentle texture gives the wine enough presence for food, while lively acidity keeps every glass refreshing.

What is Ischia Bianco DOC?

Ischia Bianco DOC is the island’s protected white wine designation. It connects the wine directly to Ischia and to the local grape varieties that have adapted to this dramatic Mediterranean landscape over generations.

Winegrowing here is shaped by steep slopes, dry stone walls, stone steps, intense sunshine and the constant influence of wind and sea. The work can be demanding, but it produces whites with freshness, mineral character and a strong sense of place.

Discover the island blend

Biancolella represents 50% of the blend and Forastera the remaining 50%. Together they create a dry white with bright fruit, delicate aromatics and a gently savoury edge.

The blend is more about balance than power. Citrus and orchard fruit lead the palate, subtle floral and herbal notes add detail, and the island’s volcanic character appears in the clean, saline finish.

The vineyards

The grapes come from vineyards across Ischia, with particular emphasis on the municipalities of Forio and Serrara Fontana.

The vines grow between approximately 100 and 500 metres above sea level in medium textured volcanic soils rich in potassium and phosphorus. They are trained on low espalier systems that reflect the island’s traditional pruning methods.

Harvest takes place by hand during the second and third weeks of September. Working manually is essential on the island’s narrow terraces and steep vineyard sites.

The Casa D’Ambra story

Casa D’Ambra was founded in 1888 by Francesco D’Ambra, known as Don Ciccio. What began with the trade of Ischia wine developed into one of the island’s defining family wineries.

Across four generations, the family has combined modern winemaking with a deep commitment to local grapes and the recovery of Ischia’s vineyard landscape. Today, Andrea D’Ambra works alongside his daughters Marina and Sara, continuing the family story with the same focus on the island’s soils, traditions and native varieties.

How is it made?

The grapes are vinified as a white wine. After pressing, the must is cold settled before fermentation, with temperature carefully controlled through fermentation, storage and bottling.

The wine then rests in bottle before release. The approach protects freshness and clarity, allowing the fruit, delicate aromatics and volcanic character of Ischia to remain at the centre of the wine.

What does it taste like?

The colour is a clear straw yellow. The aroma is delicate but expressive, opening with citrus, white peach and orchard fruit, followed by light floral and Mediterranean herbal notes.

The palate is dry and balanced, with lively acidity, gentle texture and a mineral, lightly saline finish. It is refreshing without feeling sharp and has enough body to remain comfortable beside food.

Is it sweet?

No. This is a dry white wine.

Its ripe fruit and rounded texture can make it feel generous, but the finish remains clean, fresh and savoury rather than sweet.

How should I drink it?

Serve it chilled, but not icy, and allow it to warm slightly in the glass so the fruit, herbs and texture can become more expressive.

A medium white wine glass will give the wine enough room to open while preserving its freshness.

What should I drink it with?

Casa D’Ambra recommends the wine with crustaceans, shellfish and shrimp dishes. It is also excellent with oysters, grilled fish, seafood pasta, fresh cheeses and light vegetable dishes.

Its acidity refreshes the palate, while its saline character naturally suits the flavours of the sea.

Why it belongs at Alessa

We love this wine because it is distinctive without being difficult. It offers a genuine taste of Ischia, works beautifully with food and gives curious drinkers an easy introduction to two of southern Italy’s native grapes.

Unfussy, refreshing and full of Mediterranean character, it is the kind of white that feels completely at home at the restaurant table.