The Oxford Companion to Wine describes the Verdeca grape as “producing neutral wine suitable for the vermouth industry and declining in popularity.” After tasting this example, we demand a rewrite! Masseria Li Veli have fashioned a Verdeca full of character, which is anything but neutral. It pours a shimmering silver gold colour, but with distinctive green highlights and perhaps that’s how Verdeca got its name. The palate is tangy and juicy, exhibiting green fig, mirabelle de Nancy and white peach as well as ground pistachio and a hint of satsuma on the finish. Despite all that exuberance, it’s completely dry and neatly corseted into shape by its citric acidity. 13% alc. Drink now-2028.

Organic (certified)