A very special wine, from a land that not only enjoys extraordinary natural beauty and richness, but is also a place where the Mediterranean climate and the limestone and clay soil give rise to unique and intensely expressive wines. We are in the area of Nardò, in the province of Lecce, where the Schola Sarmenti winery produces this Salento IGT Fiano Cortices, a white wine processed as if it were a red, a so-called ‘orange wine’ that fascinates for its authentic character and the intriguing complexity of its aromas and flavours. The particularity of Cortices lies precisely in the vinification technique. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature, with a long maceration period lasting around 13 days, during which the must remains in contact with the skins and seeds. This process allows a significant extraction of tannins and colouring substances that give the wine a characteristic amber colour with orange highlights, and a structure that distinguishes it from classic whites. Subsequent ageing then takes place in steel, a method that preserves the wine's freshness and enhances its authenticity. The result is an amber-coloured wine with orange hues that catch the eye and promise an unusual tasting experience. On the nose Cortices surprises with herbaceous and fruity notes, among which the ripe apricot scent and hints of honey stand out, accompanied by a balsamic undertone that gives a pleasant sensation of freshness. In the mouth, it reveals itself to have a nice structure. Savouriness and freshness blend with soft tannin, giving the wine a depth and complexity rare in traditional whites. This balance of acidity, savouriness and tannicity makes Cortices an extremely versatile wine, capable of enriching itself with time in the bottle. On the table, it lends itself well to medium-structured dishes with intense flavours. It is ideal with white meats and, even better, with tasty fish dishes such as cod or grilled octopus.