Coda di Volpe Bianca is a native Campania grape variety of ancient origin, linked to the winemaking tradition of the Vesuvian areas, Irpinia and Sannio. The name refers to the characteristic elongated and pendulous shape of the bunch, reminiscent of a fox’s tail; the name is also traced back to the Latin expression *cauda vulpium*. The vine is of moderate vigour, with pentagonal leaves that are generally five-lobed, featuring a strongly blistered margin and deep lobes; the bunch is very long, conical, often with one or more wings, and of medium density. The berries, which are small or medium-small, are globular, with green-yellow skin, juicy flesh and a neutral flavour.
It is mainly grown in the Campania provinces of Avellino, Benevento, Naples and Caserta, with significant presence in the areas around Vesuvius, Taburno, Sannio and Irpinia, where it exhibits distinctive characteristics. When vinified as a single-varietal wine, it produces straw-yellow wines, sometimes becoming more intense with ageing, characterised by floral and fruity aromas, with hints of yellow-fleshed fruit, and a dry, smooth and harmonious flavour. The structure is generally well-balanced and can be enhanced by bottle ageing: the finest examples develop mineral nuances and a pleasing complexity as they mature. In the past, it was also used in blends, contributing to the character of various traditional white wines from Campania.
