Costa d'Amalfi Ravello

Winemaking on the Amalfi Coast traces back to Roman times, with Falanghina believed to descend from the ancient Falernian grape varieties. Two of Ravello's most prominent producers carry lineages reflecting this deep-rooted tradition: Cantina Episcopio was established in 1860 and received international recognition as early as 1880, while Cantine Caruso has been officially active since 1896 and collected international awards between 1907 and 1911. The Costa d'Amalfi DOC itself was formally introduced in August 1995. Ravello holds a distinction shared by only two other villages, Furore and Tramonti: producers here are permitted to include the sub-zone name as part of the full DOC designation on their labels.

• Falanghina lineage connects to ancient Falernian grapes of the Roman era
• Cantina Episcopio established 1860; Cantine Caruso officially active since 1896
• Costa d'Amalfi DOC created August 1995
• Ravello is one of only three sub-zones with label-naming rights within the DOC

Ravello's vineyards occupy dramatically steep terraced slopes rising from the Tyrrhenian coast to elevations reaching 500 meters. Soils are predominantly dolomitic limestone, which provides excellent drainage and contributes to the mineral character in the wines. The Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers and mild winters, moderated by the proximity of the sea. South and south-west facing exposures maximize sun exposure across the growing season. The terrain makes mechanized harvesting physically impossible, so every grape is picked by hand. Vine training follows pergola and espalier systems, with densities of 5,000-7,000 vines per hectare.

• Dolomitic limestone soils across terraced slopes at 300-500 meters elevation
• Mediterranean climate moderated by nearby sea influence
• South and south-west vine exposure maximizes ripening potential
• Hand-harvesting is mandatory due to inaccessible steep terrain

White wines are the primary production focus of the sub-zone. The DOC rules require whites to contain at least 40% combined Falanghina and Biancolella. These wines show delicate floral aromas of jasmine, iris, and lily alongside fruit notes of white peach, citrus, and mulberry. Red and rosé wines are also produced, relying on Aglianico, Piedirosso, and Sciascinoso. Reds display flavors of forest fruit jam, liquorice, and vanilla with a spicy finish. Reds aged for two years total, including a minimum of 12 months in barrel, qualify for the Riserva designation.

• White wines require minimum 40% Falanghina and Biancolella combined
• Whites show jasmine, iris, white peach, and citrus character
• Reds from Aglianico, Piedirosso, and Sciascinoso show forest fruit, liquorice, and vanilla
• Riserva reds: 2 years aging minimum, 12 months in barrel

Ravello's small production zone is home to several historically significant estates. Cantina Episcopio, founded in 1860, is one of the oldest continuously operating producers on the coast. Cantine Caruso has been producing wine since 1896. Marisa Cuomo and Cantine Ettore Sammarco are both recognized names within the Costa d'Amalfi DOC and bring additional attention to the quality achievable from these challenging terraced vineyards.

• Cantina Episcopio: founded 1860, internationally recognized by 1880
• Cantine Caruso: active since 1896, award-winning 1907-1911
• Marisa Cuomo: prominent Costa d'Amalfi producer
• Cantine Ettore Sammarco: established name within the DOC