Locorotondo is a white wine produced between Bari and Brindisi whose DOC is rooted in the Valle d'Itria area, specifically in the municipalities of Locorotondo (of course!), Cisternino and Fasano.
The permitted grape varieties are Verdeca (50-65%), Bianco d'Alessano (35-50%) and other local varieties for a maximum of 5%, such as Minutolo (incorrectly referred to as Fiano).
Locorotondo is one of those "everyday" wines you are bound to find on the table, often served as the house wine in the Bari and Brindisi areas; as such it characterizes the region, but as often happens it is devalued by low quality and questionable practices that tarnish its name.
Finding a Locorotondo worthy of the name is no easy feat; we turned to a trusted producer: I Pastini.
The Locorotondo produced by this winery is called Antico because it is "created" in keeping with the ancient traditions of the area: the alberello training system; the grapes are combined in proportions established at the time of planting and harvested, destemmed and vinified together.
The blend used is: 60% Verdeca, 35% Bianco d'Alessano, 5% Minutolo. Antico is aged for three months in stainless steel and one month in bottle.
The wine presents a pale straw yellow with very faint greenish hues.
The olfactory complexity is enhanced by the use of Minutolo: yellow fruits are clearly evident on the nose, with apple and pineapple standing out above all, followed by white mulberry, peach and lychees.
On the palate, an interesting minerality is well balanced with a notable acidity; good persistence. This is an excellent aperitif wine and highly recommended with crustaceans and seafood.
As always, great care has been taken with the label, depicting one of the roads leading to the estate.
What do you think?
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