Vinalia x Tenuta Viglione, Verdeca

Founded in 1937, Tenuta Viglione is a family-owned estate nestled in the elevated terroirs of Puglia’s Gioia del Colle, near the historic Via Appia. Now led by third-generation Giovanni Zullo and his offspring, the organic vineyards are dedicated to native varieties like Primitivo, Susumaniello, Negroamaro, and Verdeca. With a commitment to sustainable practices and minimal intervention, the estate honors the integrity of both its grapes and land, and as such its wines have earned the prestigious Tre Bicchieri award from Gambero Rosso.

Puglia, the long and slender “heel of the boot,” boasts an ancient winegrowing heritage now experiencing a vibrant renaissance. Its scorching summers are softened by the nearby Adriatic Sea and Gulf of Taranto, with Greek cultural influences evident in its landscape. The region's iconic white trulli homes in Alberobello evoke a Mediterranean charm reminiscent of Santorini. In addition to its rich culinary traditions, Puglia celebrates its numerous local grape varieties, including Primitivo, Susumaniello, and Verdeca.

Precisely where Verdeca comes from remains a mystery. It is both genetically identical to the esoteric Greek variety Lagorthi, and at some point Verdeca was crossed with Tribidrag (Zinfandel) to birth Plavina, a native Croatian cultivar. Its name derives from verde or “green,” a reference to the hue of its berries. Verdeca’s resulting wines taste of the Southern Italian seaside, with crisp, refreshing flavors of sea spray, lemon blossom, and wild herbs.