Trebbiano Spoletino is among Italy’s most exciting “new” white varietals. With roots reaching far back into local history, it was rescued from extinction in the early 2000s by Umbria’s most famous winemaker, Paolo Bea, and is cultivated exclusively in the vineyards of Trevi, Spoleto and Montefalco, gaining its own DOC status in 2011. Don’t let the presence of the name Trebbiano fool you into thinking it is the same grape or even related to Trebbiano Toscano (one among many regional names for the grape) that is Italy’s most planted white grape and which we have had in a couple Kompas selections as a blending partner over the years. Trebbiano Spoletino is planted to less than .33% of the acreage of Trebbiano Toscano and is nearly always a soloist, with elegance to spare. Perticaia means plow in the local dialect, but there is not much plowing done on the estate these days, as organic and sustainable farming dictates limited tilling between the rows to provide insulation, preserve moisture and microbial abundance in the soil. The grapes are hand harvested, fermented with native yeast and aged in stainless steel to retain the apple and citrus fruit character that goes well with hors d'oeuvres, prosciutto, dried fruits and nuts, chicken or pork tenderloin in sauce.