Matervitae Bianco 2023

Robert Parker calls Puglia the home of “sensational bargains of real soul”. Given the intensity of the sunshine and the ripeness of the grapes, it’s hardly surprising that wines with character are the order of the day. Matervitae has pleasing, bright fruit flavour courtesy of a tasty marriage of two top Italian white grapes – citrusy Fiano and lightly peachy Bombino. While other white grapes can struggle to produce super crisp wines under warm conditions, these two natives thrive in Puglia’s sunny vineyards, as does Chardonnay. The trio were blended together by Leonardo Palumbo, winemaker at the historic Torre Vento winery, based in a 15th century Benedictine monastery. A gently fruity aperitif, it also excels with risotto or creamy pasta.