A wine like a light breeze from the Mediterranean – herbal, fresh and with a fine, southern terroir touch.

In the glass, it shines a pale straw yellow with greenish reflections – a clear and vibrant first impression. On the nose, Alice opens with a spicy bouquet: acacia and cedarwood, accompanied by Mediterranean herbs, a hint of fennel, and subtle grapefruit. Nothing bold or brash – more of a quiet, intricately woven aromatic conversation.

On the palate, this Verdeca shows compact structure and lively citrus tension, framed by a soft, almost creamy sweetness and delicate notes of almond. The acidity is well-defined and brings balance and vitality to the wine – surprisingly focused and clear throughout. The finish is dry but not austere, carried by herbal freshness and a whisper of salty almond.

A surprisingly serious white from Southern Italy – easy to enjoy, but by no means simple. A wonderful match for grilled sea bream, red mullet with lemon thyme, or Mediterranean vegetables kissed by fire and herbs.

Price: 9.95 in well-stocked EU wine shops (great value for money)

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About Verdeca and Its Terroir

Verdeca is an ancient, native white grape variety from Apulia – today cultivated only on a handful of hectares, yet once a staple in many Southern Italian blends. It thrives in the higher elevations of the Murgia and along the coastal vineyards of the Salento, where chalky soils, warm days, and cool maritime breezes shape its character.

Typical for Verdeca are its herbal, slightly smoky notes, restrained fruit expression, vibrant citrus aromas, and crisp acidity. These wines are often more structured than expected – and, as in the case of this Alice, show remarkable personality when vinified as a varietal.

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Photo credit: Arthur Wirtzfeld