Montecalvo Falanghina, Benevento IGP

Montecalvo is a large cooperative of around 1,000 growers based in Campania, farming 1,800 hectares across the region since 1960. Benevento, in the hills inland from Naples, is Falanghina's heartland. The grape has been grown here since antiquity and the limestone and clay soils at 300 to 400 metres altitude suit it well. The vines are Guyot-trained, harvested in late September, then gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperatures for ten days with no malolactic fermentation, preserving the grape's natural freshness and fruit character.

Lightly tropical on the nose with citrus fruit and honeysuckle, the palate offers ripe lemon and apple, hints of pineapple and candied peel, and a finish with appealing white spice and minerality. Fresh, juicy and straightforwardly enjoyable. Good with Aubergine Parmigiana, gnocchi with pancetta and parmesan, or a caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella.