Falanghina Puglia IGT 2023 (3 bottles)

Falanghina Puglia IGT 2023 / Masseria Altemura / Apulia

Container of 3 bottles

White wine from Italy

Nestled in the heart of Salento, between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, lies Masseria Altemura – a historic estate that seamlessly blends Mediterranean authenticity with modern sustainability. The calcareous soils rich in red clay, the intense southern light and the ever-present sea breezes shape a terroir of remarkable character. Surrounded by vineyards within the prestigious Primitivo di Manduria DOC, the 17th-century Masseria and its winery, designed according to principles of green architecture, rise from the landscape of Torre Santa Susanna.

Falanghina, one of Italy’s oldest white grape varieties, boasts a storied past: it was already a key component of the legendary Falernum wine in Roman times. Preserved and rediscovered over centuries, it has found a new home in Apulia, where it now stands as a symbol of fresh, aromatic white wines with a distinctly Mediterranean soul.

The vines at Masseria Altemura thrive in a fine layer of red earth resting atop limestone. Generous leaf canopies shield the grapes from over-ripening and sunburn, while precise water management during ripening ensures balanced, crisp fruit. This meticulous cultivation forms the foundation for a wine that captivates with its harmonious interplay of spice and acidity.

Harvested at peak ripeness, the grapes are gently pressed using pneumatic systems. Fermentation takes place over seven to ten days in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 18 °C, followed by two to three months of ageing on fine lees. A final period of bottle maturation lends the wine additional depth and poise.

The Falanghina Puglia IGT 2023 reveals itself in a pale straw yellow with delicate greenish highlights. On the nose, it opens with subtle citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit, complemented by floral hints of white blossoms such as jasmine. Ripe stone fruits – apricot and peach – round out the bouquet. On the palate, it is dry, medium-bodied and refreshingly vibrant, shaped by the maritime setting of the estate. A mineral edge and lively acidity provide structure and finesse, while the 13.5% alcohol is seamlessly integrated.

This elegant trio of 0.75-litre bottles invites you to explore the wine’s versatility across a range of culinary pairings – whether as an aperitif, alongside a Mediterranean feast, or as the refined companion to a summer evening.

Served at 8 to 10 °C, Falanghina unfolds its full potential as a versatile food partner. It pairs beautifully with grilled seafood such as prawns, squid and scallops, with delicate fish dishes like sea bream, sole or bass, and with steamed mussels in white wine and herbs. Mediterranean antipasti, pasta with herbs or citrus accents, creamy risottos and subtly seasoned white meats also complement its aromatic profile. Fresh salads, grilled vegetables and plant-based dishes benefit from its freshness and minerality. Soft cheeses like mozzarella or burrata, as well as mild, aged varieties such as young provolone or pecorino, round off the culinary experience.

General properties

• Vintage: 2023
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Apulia
• Volume: 2,25 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Masseria Altemura - Contrada Palombara sp 69 - 72028 Torre Santa Susanna (Brindisi) - Italia - +39 0831 740485
• Quality Designation: Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) Salento.
• Grape: 100% Falanghina.
• Vinification and maturation: The grapes are harvested at peak ripeness and gently processed using pneumatic presses. The resulting must undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation over seven to ten days in stainless steel tanks at 18 °C. The young wine is then matured on fine lees for two to three months, enhancing its structure and aromatic depth. Final refinement takes place in the bottle, allowing the flavour profile to harmonise fully.
• Scent: The wine reveals a vibrant aromatic profile, shaped by delicate citrus notes such as lemon and grapefruit. Fresh white blossoms, notably jasmine, lend an elegant floral nuance to the bouquet. Ripe stone fruits like apricot and peach complete the nose with a subtle touch of sweet fruitiness.
• Taste: This dry, medium-bodied wine impresses with its finely balanced interplay of vibrant acidity and subtle mineral spice. Its geographical position between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas imparts a distinctive saline freshness, lending the wine a particularly lively and engaging character. The alcohol content of 13.5% is seamlessly integrated, remaining discreet on the palate.
• Colour: Pale straw yellow with delicate greenish highlights.
• Alcohol content: 13,5 % Vol.
• Residual sugar: 1,8 g/l
• Acidity: 5,7 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork.
• Serving suggestion: Falanghina proves to be an excellent companion to a wide range of dishes. Its aromatic profile pairs beautifully with antipasti, pasta and risotto, as well as grilled seafood, fish and shellfish. White meats and delicately prepared pork dishes also complement its character. In addition, it matches wonderfully with fresh salads, vegetable-based recipes and plant-forward cuisine. Soft cheeses and mild, matured varieties provide a fitting conclusion to this harmonious culinary ensemble.
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 8 and 10°C.
• Allergen: Contains sulphites.
• EAN (bottle): 8002235028134
• Bottle type: Disposable (no deposit)
• Scope of supply: 3 disposable bottles a 0.75 litres = 2.25 litres.

Grape variety

FALANGHINA

Falanghina is a white grape variety predominantly cultivated in southern Italy, renowned for its high-quality wines. It is considered one of Italy's oldest grape varieties, with origins tracing back to ancient Roman times. The name "Falanghina" likely derives from the Latin words "falangae" or "phalangae," which refer to stakes or supports used in viticulture. In Roman antiquity, Falanghina was a key component of the wine Falernum, produced in Campania and celebrated as a symbol of luxury. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the tradition of cultivating Falanghina endured in Campania, particularly thanks to monasteries that preserved viticultural practices. During the Renaissance, wine production experienced a revival, and Falanghina once again gained appreciation. In the 20th century, the grape variety grew in popularity and was also planted in Apulia, where it adapted well to the local climate. Today, Falanghina is a significant part of viticulture in Apulia, contributing to the region's wine identity. Modern cultivation techniques have further enhanced the quality of Falanghina wines, leading to increasing recognition both in Italy and internationally. The leaves of the Falanghina vine are medium to large, five-lobed, and deeply cut. The grapes are medium-sized, cylindrical to conical, and the berries have a thin but robust skin. They are yellowish to golden yellow and possess a high sugar content with moderate acidity. Harvesting in Apulia typically occurs between late September and early October. In Apulia, Falanghina is often grown using traditional systems like pergola or modern Guyot training, which improve fruit quality. The wines are fresh, aromatic, with lively acidity and balanced minerality. They reflect the Mediterranean climate and the mineral-rich soils of the region, offering a versatile flavour profile suitable for everyday enjoyment and special occasions. Apulian Falanghina wines are an excellent example of the diversity and quality this grape variety can offer.