Cantele Verdeca | 2023

A long region with various micro-climates and historical grapes, Puglia, otherwise known as "The Heel," is one of Italy's most exciting wine regions in 2025, and Verdeca is its white grape star. Taking its name from its bright green-yellow berries, it's like drinking summer in a glass. A leading family-owned, grower-producer of Puglia, established in the late 1970s, Cantele produces an excellent Verdeca for the price. Fermented and aged in steel, the wine is perfectly ripe at 12.5% and bursts with a sweet lemony acidity. Even though their terroir is low-lying (practically at sea level), it's the oceanic breezes from both sides of Puglia's peninsula shape that guarantee freshness. Ironically the wine tastes just like its label with freshly cut honeydew, green grapes, and basil. If you're a fan of aromatic grapes like Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pecorino, give Verdeca a shot, and you'll be planning your next trip to Puglia! ~Allegra A