Valle d’Itria IGP, Italy

Puglia is probably not the first place you would expect to find a delicate sparkler like this one, but the region’s indigenous grapes allow for a surprising diversity of styles in Italy’s deep south. Verdeca, a specialty around the town of Locorotondo, stars in this bottling that drinks like a southern Prosecco: light, crisp, and citrusy, with a playful bead that keeps the palate cleansed and refreshed. Verdeca’s aromas of herbs and flowers come through with total charm in this bottle, which would be the perfect companion to a plate of fried little sea critters.