You only have to talk to Nicola to see that he is ahead of the curve, already projected into the future of his land's enology, thanks to clear ideas and a hypermodern production philosophy that respects the island and its grape varieties as much as possible.
There are people who change the perception, interpretation and thus perspectives of their territories. They are rare of course, sometimes brilliant, but in common they have a new and different vision from the canon derived from an inner pathos and exploratory journey. In Ischia I finally found Nicola Mazzella, third generation of Cantine Antonio Mazzella, the one who expresses the above.
With Nicola, the family business has made a leap forward, which has not been seen on the island since the days of the first wines of Casa D’Ambra, the historical soul of Ischian quality. Absolute dedication to Biancolella with vineyards in Campagnano in the eastern part of the island, that of white pumice layered over small lenses of dark pumice and slightly clayey tracts. Old vineyards, some replanted, and a spasmodic search for abandoned vineyards where very old vine-lives are found under the vegetation, to be recovered with very interesting discoveries. Less enthusiasm for the Forastera (otherwise very good), strong doubts for the Per’e Palummo (absolutely delicious), and the finding of a strange red grape, perhaps corresponding to the one locally called Guarnaccia, but at this stage this is unconfirmed.
You get the idea: I enjoyed this winery, an absolute reference for understanding the Island’s viticultural future. Trying to return to the 600 hectares planted with vines of yesteryear, we are now at 150, which is the minimum to keep alive a viticulture that to call heroic is an understatement, even if the “sea view” is overwhelming.
