Rampone

The Minutolo grape is one of the most fascinating native white varieties of Puglia. Despite its name suggesting a relation to the Fiano family, modern research has confirmed that Minutolo is an ancient and distinct variety deeply rooted in the Valle d’Itria.

Producers such as I Pastini have played a fundamental role in rediscovering and preserving this historic grape. Cultivated in the limestone-rich soils of the Valle d’Itria, the grape develops remarkable aromatic intensity while maintaining freshness and balance.

What makes wines from Minutolo particularly intriguing is their unexpected ageing potential. With time, they evolve from vibrant floral and citrus aromas towards more complex tertiary notes such as butter, honey, beeswax and dried fruit, sometimes accompanied by elegant hydrocarbon nuances reminiscent of mature Rieslings.

With Rampone, I Pastini presents a refined interpretation of this rare grape variety. The wine combines aromatic freshness with structure and precision, offering a vibrant and terroir-driven expression of Puglia that can be enjoyed young but also rewards patient cellaring.

Rampone shows a bright straw-yellow colour with brilliant reflections. The nose opens with expressive white blossom, orange flower and citrus peel, followed by yellow peach, fresh herbs and delicate Mediterranean aromatic nuances. On the palate the wine is fresh, lively and precise, supported by vibrant acidity and a subtle mineral backbone. The finish is clean, persistent and slightly saline, leaving elegant impressions of citrus fruit, flowers and almond.

With bottle ageing the wine can develop additional layers of complexity, evolving towards honey, beeswax and delicate mineral hydrocarbon notes.

Pairing: Excellent with seafood, shellfish, grilled fish, poultry, goat cheese, Mediterranean vegetable dishes and lightly spiced cuisine.

The winery I Pastini takes its name from the Latin word pastinum, referring to the ancient agricultural practice of shaping the soil to retain rainwater — a vital skill in the dry landscape of Puglia. This concept perfectly reflects the estate’s philosophy: a deep respect for tradition, land, and the patient work required to cultivate vines in the Valle d’Itria.

Family-run and managed by the Carparelli family, the estate farms approximately 18 hectares of vineyards in the heart of the Valle d’Itria. From the very beginning, I Pastini has focused exclusively on indigenous grape varieties, with the aim of preserving and enhancing the region’s viticultural heritage. White varieties such as Verdeca, Bianco d’Alessano and Minutolo, alongside red grapes like Susumaniello and Primitivo, form the core of their production.

Viticulture at I Pastini follows a philosophy of quality and environmental respect. The vineyards are treated only with organic products and enriched through green manure using leguminous plants. Harvesting is carried out by hand in the early morning hours, with careful grape selection to preserve freshness and integrity. In the cellar, traditional knowledge is combined with modern oenological techniques, allowing each wine to express varietal character and terroir with clarity and precision.

We discovered I Pastini in the summer of 2024 during a private tasting near Alberobello, where we had the opportunity to meet Gianni, the owner and driving force behind the winery. What struck us immediately was the estate’s thoughtful and authentic interpretation of Puglia’s native grapes — wines that are expressive, balanced and deeply rooted in their origin. Among them, Susumaniello, Minutolo and their sparkling wines stood out as a powerful yet refined expression, confirming I Pastini as a benchmark producer for indigenous varieties in southern Italy.