Ilauri NEOLA Passerina Abruzza 23

Abruzzo is neatly nestled between Italy's Adriatic coast and the Apennines' rugged peaks, and the lush greenery here seems almost endless. In my travels throughout Europe, along with Ireland, it's easily one of the most verdant regions I've encountered. Vineyards here thrive in conditions unique to the scenic surroundings—spectacular mountain vistas and cooling coastal breezes define the terroir, providing ideal conditions for vineyards.

Viticulture in Abruzzo is far from a modern endeavor—it's an ancient tradition, with vines cultivated here since Roman times. Generations have perfected the balance of harnessing both sea and mountain influences, resulting in wines that uniquely express the region's distinctly diverse terroir. Here, vineyards are far more than just farms; they're woven into Abruzzo's cultural fabric, embodying its deep-rooted viticulture pride and winemaking heritage.

One of Abruzzo's recently rising stars is Passerina, a white grape variety rapidly capturing the attention of the wine world. Historically overshadowed by better-known grapes, Passerina is gaining recognition for its exceptional versatility and charm. The grape grows particularly well in Abruzzo, flourishing in the region's diverse terroir, yielding vibrant, expressive, and refreshingly approachable wines.

Passerina is a remarkably hardy grape known for its thick skin that naturally protects it against harsh weather and pests. This resilience allows the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly, producing wines with beautiful balance and fresh acidity. Passerina's potential is increasingly celebrated in Abruzzo, highlighting its capacity to produce wines that stand confidently alongside Italy's more renowned white varietals.

The Di Tonno family, owners of Tenuta Talamonti and its sister estate ILauri, have quickly emerged as local champions of Passerina. Their Abruzzo vineyards, located primarily in the foothills of Loreto Aprutino, benefit from an exceptional combination of microclimate and soil structure, key elements for producing wonderfully expressive wines.

The family at Ilauri is deeply committed to sustainability, thoughtfully blending traditional vineyard methods with innovative practices, prioritizing the region's environmental well-being while producing top-quality wines. Their thoughtfully sustainable approach extends way beyond talk, and the family puts into practice what it preaches. Tangible actions like using 100% renewable energy from wind farms, avoiding irrigation to conserve water, and prioritizing natural pest management and soil health have made Ilauri one of the most eco-friendly estates in Abruzzo.

Even more impressive, ILauri sees sustainability as an integral part of community-building and employee well-being. From supporting local infrastructure and education to encouraging healthy lifestyles and ensuring workplace safety, their holistic approach helps sustain their vineyards and the vibrant communities surrounding them.

In your glass, ILauri Neola Passerina is wonderfully aromatic, offering fresh notes of white peach, pear, and subtle citrus, framed by a lovely mineral underpinning. I love the balance of zippy fruit and minerals that continues sip after sip on the middle palate. A delicate touch of salinity lingers nicely on the finish, alluding to a breezy afternoon lunch at the nearby Adriatic Sea.

ILauri Neola Passerina pairs like a dream with all the classics, and we'd especially love it with grilled white-fleshed fish, shrimp risotto, or simply roasted chicken. If you feel a little more adventurous, pair it with spicy Thai curries, spicy sushi rolls, or Indian dal curry.