Forastera

The Forastera vine was introduced in the island of Ischia in the second half of the 19th century as a result of the advent of phylloxera, being more resistant to the disease, although in other respects of more difficult cultivation. Its preferred territory is on the island so that it is now considered native of ischia even though the name indicates a different but unknown origin (derived from “forestiero”, from the forest). It is grown mainly in Campania and more limitedly in Sardinia. The berry is white, medium, ellipsoidal with waxy, thin skin of pale yellow color with green hues. The bunch is medium, cylindrical or pyramidal, winged, rather sparse with a large, almost orbicular leaf. The Forastera variety has good and constant productivity and excellent vigor. Grapes ripen in the second half of September. From the vine Forastera we get a light, straw yellow wine, dry and cool, sometimes slightly sparkling.