Verdeca o Pampanuto, uno dei più importanti vitigni pugliesi a bacca bianca

Verdeca, also known as Pampanuto, is one of the most important and recognized white grape varieties of Puglia. The main area for its cultivation are the north-central Apulia (where the appellation of Pampanuto is mostly used) and a small area around the town of Gravina di Puglia. 

There traces of this Apulian variety dates back to the times of Friedrich II: from this grape was already produced a white wine called “Verdeca”. This name was given by the populations that since ancient times used to drink it. At the time it was a secondary wine with respect to the predominant fruits of vines such as Greco di Tufo, Bianco d’Alessano and Malvasia del Chianti. 

Generally speaking, in southern Puglia, until recently, almost no white wines were produced. In fact, here in ancient times the wine par excellence was produced from the Negroamaro vine, then followed by the other two most important vines of Puglia, namely Primitivo and Nero di Troia

Over the years, and the evolution of the culture of regional winemaking, in northern Apulia was chosen to make white wine for direct consumption.

Verdeca, or Pampanuto is one among the most renowned Apulian white wines.

According to the historical notes, the first news related to the Pampanuto have been written by Prof. Frojo, with an extensive file, in 1875. Then in 1877, Ravasanda spoke about it in his studies and again, 50 years later, in 1934 from Cavazza. 

In short, according to in-depth studies, the Pampanuto vine is an expression of Verdeca, as confirmed by the University of Bari through a multidisciplinary crossing with DNA analysis. 

But what about the native Apulian grape? It has medium-sized leaves, orbicular; clusters are medium sized with conical shape; berries are also medium in size, round and with abundant plum on the thick skin. 

The resulting wine has a yellow color, tending to greenish. 

The vine allows excellent yields in must thanks to its vigor and good productivity. In particular, it has great resistance to adverse climate and is better suited to clay soils, especially at hilly altitudes, preferably between 200 and 400 meters. The single variety vinifcation gives a light wine, neutral, and with a strong acidic shoulder. It is ideal with fish dishes or fresh seasonal vegetables is ideal, but it is also indicated with fresh cheeses and cold cuts not seasoned.

The Cantina di Ruvo di Puglia wine selection includes two labels: 

Terre del CrifoVerdeca IGP Puglia, which stands for the strong sensation of freshness and delicate aromatic note. A wine well paired with fish and vegetable dishes, also excellent as an aperitif. On the nose reveals notes of jasmine, bergamot and hints of pineapple. To the taste is immediately appreciated the acidic freshness with citrus notes and good minerality on the finish.

Suggested food pairings: pea soup with clams, vegetable couscous, omelette with lampascioni, octopus and potatoes with broad beans, peppers from Puglia fried in a pan.

Serving temperature: 8 C°

Analytic data: 

Alcohol by volume 12% vol

Residual sugar 3,5 g.l.

Total acidity  5,70 g.l.

Crifo Suavì Sparkling White Wine  with a decidedly fresh taste, perfect to accompany aperitifs with seafood and fish dishes. It has an impalpable straw-yellow and it offers subtle aromas of fresh fruit, green apple and delicate white flowers. To the taste it has the vivacity of a citrus freshness.

Suggested food pairings: grilled fish, croquettes, potato chips, stuffed panzerottini.

Serving temperature: 6 C°

Analytic data: 

Alcohol by volume 10,5% vol

Residual sugar  16,00 g.l.

Total Acidity 4,70 g.l.