Cenatiempo Forastera 2023

While Italy is a treasure trove of indigenous varieties, few are as evocative of their place of origin as this ancient white grape, grown on steep, terraced vineyards overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The 2023 vintage is a crystalline expression of what we love about mountain wines from the coast. It pours a brilliant golden straw color and immediately leaps from the glass with a bouquet of zesty lemon peel, green apple, and a distinct struck flint minerality that can only come from volcanic soils. On the palate, it’s remarkably fresh and zippy, showing off a lean, savory profile rather than heavy fruit. There’s a salty, sea-breeze quality here that makes it a natural partner for anything pulled from the water—think grilled branzino, linguine alle vongole, or even a simple plate of fritto misto.

Pasquale Cenatiempo continues to be a standard-bearer for artisanal, low-intervention winemaking in Campania. This is a bright, intellectual, yet deeply refreshing white that proves you don’t need oak to find complexity. If you’re a fan of high-acid whites like Chablis or Assyrtiko, this Ischian gem is essential for your summer table.