°Bianco Salento IGT Cillenza

Fiano and Chardonnay from the Apulian Salento — a combination that shows what the deep south of Italy can achieve with consistent work in the vineyard and cellar. The Cillenza from Schola Sarmenti is not a light summer wine, but a structured white wine with real body.

Schola Sarmenti works in the province of Lecce, right in the heel of the Italian boot, where intense sun and calcareous soils give the grapes concentration and aromatic depth. The cuvée of 60% Fiano and 40% Chardonnay combines the floral spice of the Apulian grape variety with the creamy richness of the Chardonnay.

In the glass, the Cillenza shows aromas of white peach, ripe pear, and a hint of acacia. The palate is soft and creamy, with enough acidity to preserve freshness — not a heavy, alcohol-laden Southern wine, but a balanced white wine with pleasant length on the finish.

Best served at 10–12 °C. Pairs well with salmon from the oven, grilled fennel salad, pasta with zucchini cream, or mild goat cheese.