VERDECA – PUGLIA’S NATIVE WHITE WINE GRAPE
Puglia’s RED wines have become quite well known and are available widely internationally. They include wines based on its three main indigenous grape varieties – Primitivo (so called because the grapes are among the first to ripen); Negroamaro; and the less well known Nero di Troia.
However, hardly known or available outside Puglia is WHITE wine based on Puglia’s indigenous VERDECA grape variety. The grapes are thought to have originated in Greece or Croatia, but are now grown almost exclusively in Puglia.
Until about 20 years ago, most Verdeca wine was used in vermouth production. However, it now forms part of the mix in various DOC white wines in different parts of Italy, but especially in Puglia – including the widely available Locorotondo white wine.
Look out for 100% Verdeca white wine, it is beginning to become available outside Italy now; and certainly ask for it in Puglia bars and restaurants. It is light yellow-green in colour, fresh and crisp in taste – it goes with fish, cheeses and lighter dishes. although we tend to drink it as an aperitif. It is best drunk young, within a couple of years of harvesting.