Faraone, white wine from I Pàstini, is a wine that tells the story of the most authentic Puglia through the rediscovery of an ancient local grape variety, Verdeca. A grape that remained in the shadows for years and is now reclaiming centre stage with surprising elegance. We are in the Itria Valley. Here, climate plays a key role. Despite the southern latitude, the hills around Martina Franca benefit from significant temperature variations and constant ventilation from the sea. Verdeca was once the silent base of many Piedmont vermouths, but local producers such as I Pàstini realised that this variety has an extra edge when carefully vinified in its natural habitat. An indigenous variety, it owes its name to the green reflections the berries retain even at full ripeness. In the glass, this grape turns into pure energy. It is a variety that needs no “assistance”, as it already possesses a natural balance between acidity and body. The winery’s organic approach is the most direct way to let the vine express itself without chemical interference. In the cellar, the grapes are processed in hyper-reduction, a technique that protects the must from oxygen to preserve every aromatic nuance. After a static settling at just 6 degrees to naturally clarify the must, fermentation takes place at controlled temperature. This slow, cold process helps to “trap” the fresh fruit aromas that would otherwise be lost. Ageing takes place exclusively in stainless steel so as not to mask the vibrancy of the fruit with woody notes. Pale straw yellow in colour, on the nose it is a small explosion of the Mediterranean. Green apple and lime, followed by a touch of aromatic herbs reminiscent of the Apulian scrubland. On the palate, Faraone is a blade of light. Savoury, almost saline, with a persistence that immediately invites the next sip. A wine that goes straight to the point without unnecessary complexity. At the table, Faraone holds its own with seafood dishes but also works beautifully with classic orecchiette with turnip tops, where the wine’s vegetal notes match those of the dish.