As spring arrives in Puglia, the hills burst with greenery, the air is filled with the scent of wild herbs and citrus, and meals begin to move outdoors. At Terre di San Vito, spring means light lunches shared in the garden, seasonal vegetables from the farm, and of course, a chilled glass of wine to toast the changing season.
There’s no better match for this time of year than Apeneste — our crisp, organic Sauvignon Blanc, crafted on our family estate in the heart of southern Italy. In this blog, we’ll explore the flavour of Apeneste and share some traditional Puglian recipes from our family collection that pair beautifully with this expressive white wine.
Meet Apeneste: An Italian White Wine with Spring Character
Named after an ancient people of Puglia, Apeneste is a Sauvignon Blanc that expresses the landscape of our region in every sip. It is organic, dry, and bursting with fresh citrus notes, subtle floral undertones, and a crisp mineral finish. Light in body but full in character, it is the perfect white wine for spring.
Whether served on its own as an aperitivo or alongside a meal, Apeneste brings brightness and vibrancy to the table. It pairs especially well with seasonal vegetables, herbs, cheeses and lighter fare — making it ideal for spring lunches, garden parties, and Mediterranean-style grazing boards.
Perfect Spring Pairings: Family Recipes from Terre di San Vito
Food and wine are inseparable in Italy, and pairing wine with seasonal dishes is second nature. Here are three traditional spring recipes from our family collection that pair beautifully with Apeneste. Each one is easy to prepare, filled with fresh ingredients, and made even better with a splash of our organic olive oil.
Fiori di Zucchine Ripieni – Stuffed Courgette Flowers
These stuffed courgette flowers are a spring favourite. Tender courgette flowers are filled with a mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, and garlic, then fried until golden. They are savoury, aromatic and light enough to serve as a starter or side.
Pairing tip: Apeneste’s acidity lifts the richness of the cheese, while the herbal notes in the dish mirror those found in the wine.
Fave e Cicoria – Broad Bean Purée with Chicory
A dish steeped in southern tradition, broad bean purée with chicory is as humble as it is delicious. The creamy texture of the beans is balanced by the slight bitterness of the sautéed chicory.
Pairing tip: Apeneste provides the perfect contrast — its brightness balances the earthy, slightly bitter flavours and refreshes the palate.
Antipasti: A Seasonal Grazing Board
Spring is the season of casual entertaining, and nothing says “welcome” like an Italian antipasti board. Use inspiration from our antipasti collection to create a spread of cheeses, grilled vegetables, olives, and crusty bread.
Pairing tip: A chilled glass of Apeneste is ideal with creamy cheeses and lightly grilled vegetables, especially courgettes and artichokes.
Alfresco Dining, Puglian Style
Eating outdoors is a way of life in Puglia. In spring, we take our meals to the terrace, laying tables with fresh flowers, rustic crockery, and carafes of wine. Music plays in the background and dishes are shared slowly, over laughter and stories.
To recreate the experience at home, keep things relaxed and unfussy. Set a table in the sun, prepare a few simple dishes, and let the wine do the talking. Apeneste’s freshness and elegance are perfect for these kinds of long, lingering lunches.
Want to share your spring table? Tag us on Instagram — we’d love to see how you #SayItWithWine.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Spring with Terre di San Vito
At Terre di San Vito, we believe in the beauty of simple, seasonal pleasures. With just a few ingredients — some fresh vegetables, a drizzle of olive oil, and a bottle of good wine — you can create meals that are full of joy and flavour.
This spring, let Apeneste Sauvignon Blanc be your companion. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, gifting it to someone special, or enjoying a quiet meal in the garden, it’s a bottle made to celebrate life’s simple moments.
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Say it with wine. Say it the Terre di San Vito way.