Cisternino, Puglia, Italy. Thursday 28-May-2026.
We first tasted Montemarcuccio‘s Prima Filari in Osteria Bell’Italia. It was so tasty we went hunting for it in the local supermarkets but were unable to find any. We then learnt that, at the time, they only supplied to the trade. However, our friend Chris was able to make direct contact and persuade them to sell her a case to split with us. Then we learnt that the mother of the family ran in a dress shop in nearby Casalini and that if we went to the shop we could buy their wine there.
Fast forward a couple of years and Montemarcuccio built a tasting room a couple of kilometres out of town. We used the occasion of friends visiting to book a tasting. The tasting was lead by Antonio, the son of the family.
Served with salami, cheese and taralli.
1. Fós Bianco Frizzante Valle D'Itria IGP 11%.
Made from a blend of Verdeca, Bianco d'Alessano and Minutolo. Very refreshing.
2. Fós Rosato Frizzante Valle D'Itria IGP 11%.
No varietals specified.
3. Fós Primi Filari Verdeca Valle D'Itria IGP 12.5%.
Unsurprisingly we very much enjoyed this wine. We have been drinking a lot more Verdeca recently, this is a great example and one we regularly have at home.
4. Miranto Rosato Ottavianello Valle D'Itria IGP 12.5%.
The Ottavianello is an alias for the Cinsaut grape, a heat tolerant variety which makes it suitable for this area. The wine is named after the children of the family - Miranda and Antonio (who lead this tasting)
5. Elphis Red Ottavianello Valle d'Itria IGP 12.5%.
The same grape but in the full red version. Softy and fruity, we did not like this as much as the others.
Itrio Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
To quote their website, "The name Itrio recalls our land, the Itria Valley , but also celebrates the harmony of the trio of varieties that make up the blend: Ogliarola, with its delicate and soft taste, Toscanina, which gives elegance and intensity and Cellina di Nardò, which gives depth and character." We tasted this oil on bread and it was lovely.
Their full range displayed.
Of course we could not leave empty handed and came away with a couple of bottles.
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