Bianco d’Alessano is a white grape variety traditionally associated with central Puglia, with an ancient history but origins that remain unclear. Its presence in the Murge Martinesi region has been documented since at least 1870, whilst the name likely refers to the town of Alessano in the Salento area. For a long time, it was grown in mixed plantings with Verdeca, contributing to the character of the traditional white wines of the Itria Valley.
From an ampelographic point of view, it has medium-to-large, orbicular leaves, generally three- or five-lobed, with a substantial margin and a slightly downy underside. The bunch is medium to large, cylindrical-conical, simple or winged, and fairly compact; the berry is medium-sized, spherical, with a thick skin, intensely pruinose and uniformly yellow in colour when ripe.
It is mainly grown in the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto, with a particular concentration in the Murgia dei Trulli and the Itria Valley, between Martina Franca, Locorotondo and the surrounding areas. The resulting wine is generally straw-yellow with greenish highlights, with a delicate and fresh profile, characterised by hints of white flowers, peach, citrus and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it offers good savouriness, balance and a supple yet substantial structure. It is appreciated both as a single-varietal wine and in traditional blends, and, in its finest expressions, it can evolve to develop nuances of almond, honey and mineral stone.
