The lovely 2022 is the current vintage for Alois’ Pallagrello Bianco as this variety always needs a bit of time to unwind and show its best. And how marvelously well it is showing right now! Its beautifully ripened fruit runs to fresh apricot and pear with a splash of tropical and a hint of green almond, all enlivened by a fresh squeeze of a giant Campanian lemon. We love the texture—it feels on the palate like that of a wine that has had extended contact with its lees while aging, which this has not. It just naturally has that beguilingly complex mouthfeel.

This is a fabulous glass of white all on its own but, with the classic Caprese (maybe some of you will have ripe tomatoes this year?) with good mozzarella, it’s a knockout! And I’ll never forget my first pairing with marinated anchovies, octopus, white bait, clams and mussels back in Naples. Drink now!