Fenile is a native white grape variety from Campania, closely linked to the ‘heroic’ viticulture of the Amalfi Coast. Historically, it has been concentrated in the areas of Furore, Positano and Amalfi, where it contributes to the identity of the wines of the Amalfi Coast, particularly in the Furore sub-region; it has been included in the National Catalogue of Vine Varieties since 2005. The leaf is of medium size, generally pentagonal in shape and divided into five or seven lobes. The bunch, small and conical in shape, is of medium density, whilst the berries are small, often elliptical, with a thin, pruinose, golden-yellow skin, colourless flesh and a soft texture. In the cellar, Fenile produces wines of a straw-yellow colour, sometimes more intense with ageing, characterised by aromas of white fruit and citrus, delicate floral notes and a distinctive mineral character. On the palate, it offers freshness, balance and a medium-bodied structure, with a persistent and harmonious finish. Its good acidity favours positive development over the medium term, during which the aromatic profile may become more complex. An interesting fact concerns the name, which probably refers to the straw-coloured and golden hue of the grapes; the thin skin also requires particular care at the time of harvest.
