GUTTAROLO
Amphora Bianco 2022
Puglia, Italy
A blend of mostly Verdeca from Cristiano’s vineyards, along with a little Chardonnay from an old organic vineyard in Gioia. The former was pressed directly, while the chardonnay macerated as whole bunches for seven days, before the two were assembled for a short élevage in porcelain amphorae. A hazy shade of peach in the glass, this is a touch shy on opening, but air reveals a charming wine with a gentle perfume of citrus and stones, powdery tannins and a chalky, mineral finish.
Verdeca, Chardonnay
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Cristiano Guttarolo’s vineyards are away the plains which often produce hot, flabby wines, on a plateau of limestone some 400 metres above sea level, they benefit from the unique climate in which they live. Daytime temperatures are cooler than usual thanks to a strong breeze from the sea, while the site’s elevation offers a fluctuation between day and night temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while retaining freshness and finesse.
While the wines are unmistakably Pugliese, full of wild, sun-drenched fruit, they have a balance often missing around here, one that allows the grape and place to sing and the drinker to enjoy the beautiful minerality that karst soils bring.
Vineyard work is excellent, organic and done entirely by hand, while in the cellar Cristiano eschews the use of additives entirely as these are the sort of wines he likes to drink.