2017 Ettore Sammarco Vigna Grotta Piana Costa D’Amalfi Ravello

Ravello 2017 “Vigna Grotta Piana” — Ettore Sammarco

Tasting Note by The Wine Voyager

I first visited the Ettore Sammarco winery in 2018, and again in 2020, each time leaving with a deeper appreciation for the heroic viticulture of the Amalfi Coast. Nestled in the heart of Ravello, the estate clings to steep terraces carved into the cliffs, where every vine is tended by hand. Meeting Ettore and his family, I was struck by their humility, their profound respect for the land, and their passion for preserving local grape varieties. In their cellars, the atmosphere is calm yet charged with history — a place where tradition meets quiet innovation.

The Grapes & Terroir

The Vigna Grotta Piana is a white blend centered on Ginestrella, an ancient and rare local grape, complemented by Biancolella and Pipoli (also known locally as Ripoli). These varieties thrive in the limestone-rich, sun-drenched terraces, absorbing not only the mineral essence of the soils but also the saline breezes from the nearby Tyrrhenian Sea. This is a wine that could only be born here, in the dramatic amphitheater of Ravello.

Appearance

In the glass, the 2017 gleams with a pale golden hue, edged by faint green highlights — a promise of freshness despite the warmth of the vintage.

Nose

The aromas are layered and inviting: ripe white peach and Amalfi lemon peel mingle with broom flower, wild herbs, and a subtle honeyed note. A faint whisper of sea spray and crushed rock reinforces its maritime identity.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is simultaneously graceful and energetic. The Ginestrella lends a floral elegance, Biancolella provides vibrant acidity, and Pipoli contributes texture and gentle weight. Flavors of citrus zest, yellow plum, and fresh almond unfold against a backdrop of marked minerality. There is a slight saline edge that I always find captivating in this cuvée — a signature of its coastal terroir.

Finish

The finish is long, clean, and persistent, leaving behind notes of lemon verbena and wet stone. The 2017 vintage shows beautiful balance: the warmth of the season adds roundness, yet the backbone of acidity keeps the wine bright and mouthwatering.

Reflection

Tasting Vigna Grotta Piana back at the winery, surrounded by the terraced vineyards I had just walked through, was an experience that went beyond the glass. It was a reminder of how wine is not just a beverage, but a story — of place, of people, and of time. With The Wine Voyager, I strive to share exactly these kinds of stories, where every sip is a journey back to the source.

Pairing Suggestion

Perfect with fresh seafood — think linguine with clams, grilled sea bream, or raw red shrimp dressed with Amalfi lemon — but equally captivating on its own, as a pure expression of Ravello’s landscape in liquid form. PM 88