Bombino Bianco is an ancient white grape variety from central and southern Italy, whose origins are traced, according to the main ampelographic studies, to the Mediterranean basin or the Iberian Peninsula. The name appears to refer to the distinctive shape of the bunch, resembling a child with outstretched arms – a characteristic also shared by the Bombino Nero. The leaf is of medium size, generally three- or five-lobed, with a green margin and a fairly regular outline. The bunch, medium or medium-large in size, is cylindrical-conical or conical, often winged and tends to be semi-loose; the berries are spheroidal, medium or medium-large in size, with a firm, greenish-yellow skin, frequently speckled. Its traditional growing area mainly comprises Puglia, particularly the provinces of Foggia and Bari, with a significant presence in the San Severo countryside; however, the variety is also widespread along the Adriatic coast, in Abruzzo, Marche, Lazio and Emilia-Romagna, where it is also known as Pagadebit. The wine generally has a straw-yellow colour, with delicate and subtle aromas, featuring notes of ripe fruit, white flowers and light mineral undertones. On the palate, it is dry, balanced, fresh and full-bodied. It generally has an average ageing potential, whilst its pronounced acidity makes it particularly well-suited to the production of semi-sparkling wines and Metodo Classico sparkling wines, in keeping with a tradition deeply rooted in the San Severo area.
