Heritage & Distillery
Altamura is a town in Puglia, southern Italy, that has been celebrated for the quality of its bread since ancient times — the local wheat, grown in the fertile soils of the Murgia plateau, produces flour of exceptional character that has earned Altamura DOP status for its bread. Altamura Distilleries has applied this same wheat to vodka production, creating a spirit whose connection to terroir is genuine and historically grounded. The decision to distil vodka in Italy — a country not traditionally associated with the spirit — is given legitimacy by the quality of the raw material and the care evident in the finished product.
Production
Altamura wheat is fermented and quadruple-distilled, a process that preserves the grain's distinctive creamy, slightly sweet character while achieving the purity expected of a premium vodka. The bottling at 43% ABV — three points above the standard — provides the spirit with additional weight and allows the wheat's natural flavour compounds to express themselves more fully. Charcoal filtration smooths the vodka without stripping the character that the Altamura wheat contributes.
Tasting Notes
The nose is smooth and creamy — soft wheat, vanilla ice cream, and a subtle citrus peel note create an aromatic profile of considerable charm. On the palate, the vodka is rich and velvety, with vanilla cream, gentle wheat sweetness, citrus peel, and a warming quality that feels distinctively Mediterranean. The Altamura wheat provides a character that is softer and sweeter than the rye or barley used by Northern European producers. The finish is medium, warm and creamy with vanilla and citrus lingering pleasantly.
The Serve
The creamy, vanilla-forward character makes Altamura an excellent Espresso Martini vodka — the vanilla and citrus notes complement coffee beautifully. It also works well in an Italian-inspired Spritz variation or simply over ice with a twist of lemon peel.
Verdict
Altamura Vodka is a well-made Italian wheat spirit that draws genuine character from its famous local grain. The vanilla and cream notes are appealing, the higher ABV adds substance, and the Puglian provenance provides a story worth telling. A solid addition to the European wheat vodka landscape.
