Villa Matilde's 2006 Falerno del Massico Caracci is once again beautiful, particularly in its expressive, open-knit texture. Sweet perfumed apricots, mint and flowers are all framed by a persistent vein of underlying minerality that gives the wine its balance and harmony. The Caracci is made from an ancient clone of Falanghina. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. Falerno had already established itself as a special place for wines 3,000 years ago during Roman times. Campania was not immune to phylloxera, however, and at the turn of the century most of the vineyards in these parts were ravaged. In the 1970s Francesco Avallone set out to reclaim the ancient clones of the region's native varieties, and over time reproduced the best of those and planted them in his vineyards. Today Villa Matilde is run by Avallone's children Maria Ida and Tani Avallone. The wines are among Campania's finest. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900