Drink of the Week: Altamura Distilleries Vodka

Italy isn’t only synonymous with big, bold-flavored spirits. Sure, the country is the birthplace of countless amari and aperitivi, which bitter and embolden enough cocktails and spritzes to float a flotilla of pleasure boats. But Italian producers also understand the benefits of nuance, and the value of clean space on a canvas filled with color. It’s in this vein that we suggest this week’s Drink of the Week: Altamura Distilleries Vodka.

Wheat has grown in the Altamura region of Puglia for more than 2,000 years. Varieties such as Arcangelo, Duilio, and Simeto enjoy not only historic culinary heritage, but a protected domain of origin. Altamura wheat forms the basis of Altamura’s vodka, made with a respect for the wheat at its core, and in an effort to convey the grain’s delicate essence. Altamura made its American debut earlier this year. Crisp and clean on the nose, the vodka evokes its wheat-based roots with a lightly breadlike aroma, touched with lemon peel and mint. In the glass, it offers hints of anise and herbs followed by a soft, smooth finish. $34.99, altamuradistilleries.com