This week’s Italian Indigenous variety is called Ortrugo Bianco and hails from the province of Piacenza in Emilia Romagna. It used to be mostly used as a blending grape but now is made as a monovarietal as well. It is grown in the Colli Piacentini and can be found in still, frizzante, and sparkling versions under the Ortrugo DOC denomination. Ortrugo got the designation in the 1980s.

It is straw yellow in color, with moderate acidity and medium plus alcohol, and a floral bouquet with green apple on the palate and a slight almond note on the finish. A fairly vigorous grapevine, it produces reliably and consistently but can be susceptible to some pests.

The wine is probably perfect with the local charcuterie, pastas, and starters. I went to graduate school in Emilia and have a fondness for the area. I look forward to my next trip.