2024 I Pastini "Antico" Locorotondo Bianco Doc

60% Verdeca, 35% Bianco d’Alessano, 5% Minutolo. 

Truthfully, I had never heard of Bianco d’Alessano before I Pastini. The Italian Wine Scholar, Ian D’Agata, is even a little mystified by this variety as he states it is identical to the Calabrian grape Luvarello (but where can I get a Luvarello?) and that there is no information on it prior to 1870. It is most likely its own little jam, native to the Valle d’Itria in Puglia and shows its best self in Locorotondo.

The wine is fresh, easy, and breezy. Easy Breezy. Sling it back with food, or not. It’s just one of those wines that pleases all palates. Give it to your mother who only drinks Pinot Grigio, give it to your fancy friends that drink white Burgundy and tell them its a bend with Bianco d’Alessano and watch their eyes widen—they’ll have no clue and you can teach them a thing or two.