Did you know that Italy is home to more indigenous grape varieties than any other country on earth? There is a plethora of lesser-known varieties all over the country which offer endless entertainment for the intrepid wine adventurer … and one such grape is Verdeca.
Produced in Manduria (the heel of Italy’s boot!) Verdeca is a rare white grape that has adapted beautifully to the demands of the searing summer temperatures, making refreshing wines that are perfect for quenching your summer thirst. Such is the rarity of this grape that relatively few vines exist outside Manduria, and the grapes for this wine are picked from vines of up to 20 years of age.
The hot climate makes the fruit flavours in this wine deliciously ripe and exotic, with notes of pear, melon, peach and even tropical mango all very much in evidence. There’s also a delicate floral note which melts into a dry, refreshing palate with just the right amount of acidic zing.
The Details
Grape: Verdeca
Country: Italy
Region: Puglia
Abv: 13%
Style: Aromatic, peach, spicy, dry, juicy, nutty
The Producer:
Although it probably sounds better in Italian, “We are those of the Cantina Produttori di Manduria” is a proud statement of a cooperative of 400 self proclaimed “Maestri del Primitivo”. They are team of Italian winemakers ranging in age from 25 to 100 (no that’s not a typo) united by a common goal - to protect traditional vine-growing with modern agronomic and oenological techniques. Located in the heel of Italy, Manduria is considered the birth place of the native Primitivo grape, and was officially recognised as such in 1974 when Primitive of Manduria DOC was created for the region. The Consorzio Produttori Vini has 900 hectares of vineyard, including Primitivo - Puglia's most famous vinous export - but these “Maestros” also produce fascinating whites from lesser known gems such Fiano and Verdeca.
