On the heels of Cantele’s success with its Chardonnay, it was only natural that the winery would look to native grape varieties of Puglia when it decided to expand its line of whites. Until recently, Puglia was known only for its famous red varieties, their earth- and fruit-driven flavors, and their remarkable balance and food-friendliness.

But as the interest in indigenous grapes has swept the region (and the world), Cantele decided it wanted to create a Verdeca that would be a benchmark for the variety. The resulting wine is yellow-straw in color with hints of green, fresh and bright in the glass with mouthwatering acidity and citrus and stone fruit flavors. A wonderful note of minerality is the perfect counterpoint to the wine’s vibrant fruit, making it all the more versatile and compelling at the table.

In recent years, many Pugliese chefs have started to incorporate elements of Japanese cuisine into their cooking and sushi is more popular than ever in Lecce, a city already celebrated for its restaurant scene. The Cantele Verdeca couldn’t be a better pairing for these flavors from the east.