Fattoria San Lorenzo Gino Bianco Verdicchio / 2024 / 750mL

The Fattoria San Lorenzo Gino Bianco Verdicchio 2024 is a bright, unfussy white from Marche on Italy's Adriatic coast, built around citrus, orchard fruit and the almondy bite that makes Verdicchio worth seeking out. It is a young wine made for drinking rather than cellaring, with plenty of energy and a savoury edge that lifts it above simple refreshment.

Lemon pith, green apple and a touch of white peach come through first, with fennel seed and a chalky, sea-air character sitting underneath. The palate follows the nose closely — crisp yellow apple, grapefruit and a herbal thread that keeps things dry and interesting rather than fruity and soft.

Acidity is the backbone here, firm and clean without being sharp, and there is more texture across the middle than the pale colour suggests. The finish is where Verdicchio shows its hand: a faint bitterness, like blanched almond skin, that draws everything out and leaves the mouth ready for the next sip.

Serve it properly cold, around 8 to 10 degrees, in a decent-sized glass so the aromatics have somewhere to go. It works with grilled whitefish, salt-and-pepper squid, spaghetti with clams, or a plate of prosciutto and olives before dinner. Drink through 2026 while the fruit is fresh.