Locorotondo DOC (White) (Courtesy of
Grape types: Verdeca 50-65%, Bianco d’Alessano 35-50%; possible addition of Fiano and/or Bombino and/or Malvasia Toscana, up to a maximum of 5%
Note: The small town of Locorotondo is a group of white buildings on the top of a hill, overlooking the Itria valley and its characteristic trulli, cone-like ancient buildings. In ancient Greek, troullos meant “dome, cupola”. True enough, the Apulian trullo is covered by concentric circles of stones, one on top of the other and jutting out inside (“false cupola”, a similar technique to the tholos tombs of the Mycenaean plain). These quaint constructions might also be connected to the prehistoric monuments of Salento known as “specchie”, as well as the medieval structures of Basilian monks of Greek origin, in the Itria valley.
The wine of Locorotondo is light and appealing, thus decidedly distinguishing itself from other Apulian wines, which are high in alcohol and robust on the palate. At the same time, it is one of the most flavorful whites in the region, an example of the great potential admired by the Californian oenologist we mentioned earlier …
Area: the communes of Cisternino and Locorotondo and part of Fasano, between the provinces of Bari and Brindisi
Color: straw yellow or light green
Nose: delicate and appealing, characteristic
Palate: fruity and fresh, delicate, dry
Aging before release: none
Cellar life: best enjoyed young
Food pairings: seafood salad, first courses with light sauces, fish, omelettes