Ripolo

Grape variety	Ripolo
Synonyms	Ripoli and Uva Ripola are alternative names for this grape variety, historically found primarily along the slopes of the Lattari Mountains, in the territories of Gragnano and Castellamare.
Grape colour	White grape
Ampelographic features	The Ripolo grape is recognized by its medium-large, round pentagonal, five or seven-lobed leaves. The upper surface of the leaf is a medium green color, with a red petiolar dot, while the lower surface is arachnoid. The bunch at industrial maturity is medium-sized, cylindrical-pyramidal, winged, sparse, with a short, robust, woody peduncle. The individual grapes are small, weighing less than 2 grams, and are uneven in size. They are round in shape, with a thin skin that is yellow in color. The flesh of the grape is colorless, juicy, and soft, with a neutral taste.
History	Ripolo is a grape variety with a rich history, dating back to the early Roman times. It was once widely grown in the southern Italian region of Campania, specifically in the territories of Gragnano and Castellamare. The grape is believed to have taken its name from the town of Ripoli, located near the Lattari Mountains where it was once predominantly grown. While Ripolo was nearly extinct by the late 20th century, recent efforts have been made to revive this ancient grape variety and its distinctive wine.
Characteristics of the wine	Wine produced from the Ripolo grape variety is noted for its distinctive characteristics. It typically offers a yellow color, similar to the skin of the grape itself. Aromatically, it can express a range of citrus, floral, and mineral notes. On the palate, Ripolo wines are typically medium-bodied with a soft texture, displaying flavors that mirror the nose, accompanied by a fresh, crisp acidity that provides balance and structure. These wines are often enjoyed young, but they can also be cellared for a few years to develop additional complexity.