Region: Valle d’Itria IGP, Puglia, Italy

Varietal: 100% Verdeca

Producer: There’s something delightfully under-the-radar about wines from Puglia’s Valle d’Itria, and Faraone is a perfect ambassador for the region’s sun-baked soul. The folks at I Pàstini are a small, family-run operation led by Gianni Carparelli and his father Donato, crafting wines from the very land their ancestors tended — a limestone-rich plateau dotted with ancient olive groves and traditional trulli huts. Rather than chasing international style points, this crew lets indigenous varieties like Verdeca shine, embodying a deep sense of place that’s both rustic and refreshing.

Vineyard & Winemaking: Faraone comes from vineyards planted with 100% Verdeca, one of Puglia’s native white grapes historically linked to the Magna Graecia era. In the Valle d’Itria, Verdeca thrives on calcareous–rocky soils with generous diurnal temperature swings — conditions that coax out bright acidity, salinity, and freshness. The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented in stainless steel, preserving the variety’s naturally juicy, clean character and zesty profile without any oak interjection. The result is a wine that feels loyal to its sun-soaked terroir and unafraid of simplicity.

Tasting Notes: This is the kind of white that makes you go “just one more glass.” In the glass, it’s a straw-yellow with lively green flashes, hinting at its youthful energy. Aromas of lemon zest, fresh herbs, and a whisper of white flowers lead into a palate that’s dry, crisp, and mineral-lined, with citrus and saline notes dancing through the finish. Faraone pairs beautifully with shellfish, grilled fish, or anything seaside-inspired — and honestly, it’s a sunny, crowd-pleasing sip all on its own.