The 9 best white and red wines from the Amalfi Coast chosen by Gambero Rosso

Campania is a complex region, both in terms of its geo-morphological characteristics and its grape varieties. It boasts a vineyard area slightly exceeding 25,000 hectares, encompassing a vast array of different territories, each with its own production culture, exposures, and geological formations. From fiano, greco, falanghina, aglianico, piedirosso, casavecchia, pallagrello (both white and black), pepella, biancolella, and many other native grape varieties, contemporary wines are crafted—almost always capable of reflecting their terroir. White wines dominate the scene (this year, we are pleased to welcome back Fiorduva by Marisa Cuomo into the Tre Bicchieri club), but we have also found excellent red wines.

The Costa d’Amalfi DOC and its subzones: Ravello, Furore, and Tramonti

Here, we focus on the Amalfi Coast, a region now famous not just for its stunning scenery and tourism but also for its fine wines. The Costa d’Amalfi DOC, established in 1995, encompasses three subzones: Ravello, Furore, and Tramonti. These areas have always been devoted to agriculture—particularly viticulture—though they differ significantly in exposure and microclimate. The DOC covers thirteen municipalities, all within the province of Salerno.

The Bianco is made from falanghina (locally known as bianca zita, accounting for at least 40%) and biancolella (bianca tenera, at least 20%), along with other non-aromatic local varieties from Salerno province (up to 40%).

The Rosso and Rosato are blends of piedirosso and/or sciascinoso (olivella), and aglianico, making up at least 60% of the mix, with other authorised grape varieties permitted up to a maximum of 40%.

The maximum allowable grape yield per hectare is 110 quintals for Rosato and Rosso and 120 quintals for Bianco, with lower limits set for the subzones (90 and 100 quintals, respectively). The alcohol content also increases in the subzones—from 10° to 10.5° for Bianco and from 11° to 11.5° for Rosso—ultimately enhancing the quality of wines from these areas.

The best wines from the Amalfi Coast by three great wineries

Here are the Costa d'Amalfi wines that have received Tre Bicchieri, Due Bicchieri Rossi, or Due Bicchieri in the Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia 2025 guide.

The 2023 vintage brings us a delightful Fiorduva from Marisa Cuomo. The nose unmistakably evokes its place of origin, with aromas of lemons, citron, orange blossoms, sea-washed rocks, and aromatic herbs. On the palate, it is inviting, sun-kissed, and harmonious, with a finish that gradually intensifies with fruity and mentholated notes. Other wines from this winery, both white and red, also stand out—particularly the Furore Rosso Riserva ‘21, which offers Mediterranean hints of black olives and capers while remaining fresh with notes of blackberries and blueberries. Its sapidity balances a dense tannic texture.

photo by www.facebook.com/CantineMarisaCuomo/

Raffaele and Dora are now firmly by the side of their parents, Marisa Cuomo and Andrea Ferraioli, in managing the winery. They have inherited the same energy needed to overcome the many challenges of working in this extreme yet captivating region — Furore, the heart of the Amalfi Coast. In the tiny vineyard plots carved from the rock, dozens of local grape varieties—some virtually unknown—coexist, each with different characteristics and ripening periods, coming together in a range of wines with no weak points.

• Costa d'Amalfi Furore Bianco Fiorduva 2023 - Marisa Cuomo
  
• Costa d'Amalfi Furore Rosso Ris. 2021 - Marisa Cuomo
• Costa d'Amalfi Furore Bianco 2023 - Marisa Cuomo
• Costa d'Amalfi Furore Rosso 2023 - Marisa Cuomo
• Costa d'Amalfi Ravello Bianco 2023 - Marisa Cuomo

photo by https://ettoresammarco.it/

Among the wines offered by Ettore Sammarco, the Ravello Bianco Vigna Grotta Piana 2023 stands out with its vibrant aromas of white peach and linden flowers. On the palate, it shifts towards green citrus notes such as lime and grapefruit, alongside hints of aromatic herbs. Also noteworthy is the Selva delle Monache from the same vintage, bursting with juiciness.

Sixty years in business is no small feat, making Ettore Sammarco, founded in 1962, one of the historic names of the Amalfi Coast. Based in Ravello, one of the region’s most significant centres, the winery is now led by Bartolo, who works closely with Ettore, who still oversees operations. The estate spans about fifteen hectares, some of which are challenging to cultivate due to the rugged terrain. Native grape varieties such as ginestrella, biancazita, biancatenera, per’ e’ palummo, and olivella are among those preserved and showcased through their wines.

• Costa d'Amalfi Ravello V. Grotta Piana 2023 - Ettore Sammarco
• Costa d'Amalfi Ravello Bianco Selva delle Monache 2023 - Ettore Sammarco

photo by www.vinitenutasanfrancesco.com/

Per Eva ‘22 is one of the most intriguing wines this year. A blend of falanghina, ginestra, and pepella, vinified exclusively in steel tanks, it boasts an enticing aromatic profile with scents of linden flowers and white roses. It is elegantly enriched by saline nuances and white fruit, interwoven with delicate herbal notes. On the palate, it spreads flavour harmoniously, progressing smoothly with well-balanced acidity and finishing with a juicy, savoury character.

Nestled between the cliffside terraces and the rugged Valico di Chiunzi gorge, Tenuta San Francesco is a key name in the challenging Tramonti subzone. The four founders—Vincenzo D'Avino, Luigi Giordano, Gaetano, and Generoso Bove—knew exactly what kind of challenge they were taking on. They embraced it fully, working tirelessly to enhance their 16 hectares of highly fragmented vineyards. This estate is a true treasure trove of diverse grape varieties—pepella, ginestra, biancazita, biancatenera, aglianico, piedirosso, tintore—all beautifully expressed in a consistently impressive range of wines.

• Costa d'Amalfi Bianco Per Eva 2022 - Tenuta San Francesco
• Costa d'Amalfi Tramonti Rosso 2021 - Tenuta San Francesco