2022 PIPOLI, Greco/Fiano, Vigneti del Vulture. Basilicata, Italy

From the deep south of Italy, Basilicata is a poor and little-know region. On the volcanic soils of Mount Vulture excellent red is made from the Aglianico grape. Now, using modern winemaking, some exciting whites, like this, are also emerging.

60% Greco, 40% Fiano.

Vigneti del Vulture was a small under-performing co-operative, recently taken over and radically brought up to date by Valentino Sciotti, with help of consultant Alberto Antonini.

Essentially a light, crisp thirst-quencher, but both Greco and Fiano have genuine character, so there’s no lack of perfume and length.

This does the Pinot Grigio job so much better – a fresh, dry white for drinking at any time and with any light dish….