Almonds, kernel, nut oil, orange oil, tangerine skin and heady lanolin-lined lees in this Orvieto Classico from Umbria. Density without heft, this lingers with stones and wild herbs. Lovely intensity in a slimmer frame and would make for an ideal partner to grilled halibut or sesame scallops. Great value.
Elegantly perfumed floral scents, with fresh yellow fruit on the nose shift to concentrated citrus flavour; background tropical and stone fruit, supported by firm mineral grip, balanced acidity and a mélange of complex fruit flavours on the finish.
Pale yellow. As with many biodynamic wines, minerality (chalk in this case) is at the forefront. Fruitiness is present but with muted, discreet notes of wax and honey. Dry acidity; its medium body relies on the minerality; mid-palate has good volume and the finish is impressive in both length and expression.
As strikingly singular and memorable as the natural wine producer herself, Manzoni Bianco is a cross of Riesling and Pinot Bianco. embodying both the citrus purity of Riesling and the perfumed orchard blossoms of the Bianco. This grows in the calcareous clay hills above Trento and was fermented on the skins in cement tanks, followed by 12 months of aging in acacia casks. Pink perfumed blossoms, bruised quince, yellow fruit on a light bed of nut, nectarine and slick of herbal oil. A quiet hum of minerals and white grapefruit on the finish. This wine will turn more honeyed and nutty with time.
A rich golden colour leads you to a bouquet of spicy, sweet herbs and nectarines with a floral top note; medium-bodied and dry with well-balanced peachy-herbal flavours carried on a thread of minerality.
Pale silvery-yellow with sparse bubbles. Faint nose of pear and apple. Fizzier on the palate than it looks in the glass, tasting of lemon and melons with a slight sweetness. Good party wine. Drink up.
Dense and thick on the palate, with chewy, sun-baked, dried and ripe red and black fruits, leather on the supple palate. This is 90/10 Cannonau/Carignano from vineyards in Basso Sulcis (lower Sulcis). This sees six months in barrique (second use) and six months in bottle. Mediterranean scrub, sweet spice, coffee, and dark chocolate lingering on the very hot, alcoholic finish (nearly 16%!). Needs decanting.