San Marzano 'Talo' Verdeca 2024

Verdeca might not be the most common white grape in Puglia these days, but it's good to see it getting the spotlight in this bright, vibrant example. Dry and refreshing, it's packed with zesty citrus, pineapple, ripe orange, and a hint of white peach. A short stint in French oak - just three months - adds a touch of texture and weight, but it's still lively and full of energy. There's plenty going on flavour-wise, with a nice balance between the fresh fruit and a subtle savoury edge that gives it a bit of personality.

With its exotic fruit and creamy texture, it works a treat with prawn linguine, seafood risotto, or crab ravioli - fresh enough to brighten the dish but rich enough to match it.

In 1962, 19 vine growers from San Marzano, deep in the Puglian heel of Italy, whose families had farmed the land for generations, combined their efforts to establish Cantine San Marzano. Through the decades this co-operative has grown significantly and can now boast over 1,200 members and has a reputation for quality that has earned international renown. They are based just east of the town of Taranto in the region of Salento. The Cantine's director Mauro di Maggio is a native of this part of the world and grew up with a connection to the winery before going to work there in 2003. As a result, he knows his members well and his close working relationships with them has helped keep the quality of fruit supplied to the winery at high levels.