{"title":"June 18: Italian Whites","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"la-stoppa-vdt-bianco-ageno-2020","title":"La Stoppa, ‘Ageno’ Bianco Emilia IGT, Italy, 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLa Stoppa is an ancient company founded more than a hundred years ago. It is located in Emilia Romagna, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ein Val Trebbiola, not far from the Trebbia river, in the province of Piacenza. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe company extends over 58 hectares of which 30 are vineyards and 28 are woods. In the second half of the 19th century, the lawyer Giancarlo Ageno discovered the wine-growing vocation of this place and began producing wines with significant and curious names such as Bordò, Bordò bianco, Pinò. In 1973 La Stoppa was purchased by the Pantaleoni family and, since the mid-1990s, Elena Pantaleoni has run the company. Elena, supported by Giulio Armani, has focused her work on the vineyard, managed according to the organic method certified by Suolo e Salute.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vineyard is cared for by letting the plant grow autonomously, without fertilisers or weed killers, only sulphur and copper treatments. All the work is done by hand, from pruning to tying, suckering, trimming, up to harvesting to ensure greater control and keep the quality of the grapes intact. The grapes from the youngest vines are intended for the production of young wines and the most prized grapes and from old vines for the production of long-aging wines. Since the mid-nineties, the cultivation of local varieties has been privileged: Barbera and Croatina for red grapes, Malvasia di Candia Aromatica for white grapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrganic \u0026amp; Natural\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eElena Pantaleoni\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100% Malvasia di Candia Aromatica\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eItaly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe different grapes are co-planted and the vines average 30 years in age. The fruit is picked together, destemmed and macerated with the skins for approximately a month (less time in warmer vintages, more in cooler ones); a cap of skins and seeds forms and is not broken but is kept moistened with the fermenting wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull bodied, spicy and honeyed wine with haunting aromas of rose, musk, chamomile and thyme. Full of deep, pure, head-turning flavours, modulating from rose-water charm through clean apple-orchard fruit, oranges and rhubarb. Notes of cinnamon and ginger come through on the memorable finish. Somehow more than the sum of its parts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 2020 Ageno captivates with a deep orange hue and blend of nostalgic nuances of sun tea with peach sorbet, tropical melon, tangerine and mint. Weighty in feel yet lifted and energetic, it washes across the palate with a liquid floral concentration and citrus-infused apricot underscored by crunchy minerals and spice. This leaves the senses reeling as it finishes youthfully tense and incredibly long, tapering off with a saline tinge offset by hints of candied lemon peels. Fantastic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Farm Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50399362580785,"sku":null,"price":49.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/La_Stoppa_Ageno_Bianco_Emilia_IGT_Italy_2020.jpg?v=1749061752"},{"product_id":"querciabella-batar-tuscany-italy-2020","title":"Querciabella, Batàr, Tuscany, Italy, 2020","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFounded in 1974, Querciabella enjoys the acclaim of the world’s most discriminating critics and consumers for wines such as Camartina, Batàr, Palafreno and Querciabella Chianti Classico. In its uncompromising pursuit of quality, sustainability and authenticity, Querciabella has continually honed its approach to biodynamic viticulture for over a decade. With vineyards located throughout Tuscany’s Chianti Classico and Maremma areas, Querciabella exemplifies the mindful preservation of tradition through forward-thinking, albeit completely natural winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuerciabella’s Chianti Classico represents the pinnacle of high-altitude, perfectly exposed Sangiovese fruit. A beautiful balancing act of crisp, inviting acidity, pure varietal fruit flavor and character deriving from sourcing the grapes from top sites in three of the the denomination’s best sub-zones. A wine and food lovers’ delight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVegan:\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 1.4em;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAt Querciabella, we stand firmly against the harming of animals, and abhor the cruelty and exploitation that are inherent in factory farming, but also in “organic” animal farming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo animal products or byproducts are used in the production of this wine, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eManfred Eng\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Blanc\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTuscany, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemakers' Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eA year of uncertainty, 2020 was marked in the vineyards by the cold spell that hit the young buds in April, thus limiting the vintage’s volume. The persistent dry and hot weather conditions that followed lasted well into the summer, requiring meticulous canopy management to regulate the ratio between vegetation and developing bunches. Fortunately, timely rains in mid-august turned a laborious year into an excellent vintage that delivered incredibly fragrant musts, sweet and balanced to the taste.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eEnjoyable upon release, though it is recommended to wait four years after harvest for more complex notes to emerge. This wine continues to develop and evolve for over 20 years. The ideal serving temperature is 43° to 47°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2020 vintage is more herbal than usual, with sage, thyme and a citrussy character, then its typical peach kernel core. The attack is full, silky, concentrated and textured, yet vibrant on the finish.One of the most sought after white wines of Italy, with proven ability to age, Batàr originates from vineyards in Ruffoli, in Greve in Chianti, some of which reach 600m. The Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco grapes are fermented and aged for nine months in French oak. It's a very classic white SuperTuscan (first vintage was 1988) with a stylish Corton-Charlemagne attitude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIntense nose of cedar, smoked almond, mango puree, papaya and lemon pie. Full-bodied, dense and creamy with delicious praline and pie-crust character, balanced by just the right amount of lemony acidity. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Vinous \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2020 Batàr, Querciabella's Chardonnay\/Pinot Blanc white, is laced with hints of tangerine oil, jasmine, spice and pear. Light tropical accents appear later, adding gorgeous nuance throughout. The move towards high elevation vineyards and picking earlier yields a Batàr endowed with terrific freshness and plenty of style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eI have not tasted this wine in a while, and it's a delight to come back to it now. Compared to older vintages, I find this blend of equal parts Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay to be quite improved. The organic 2020 Batàr (with 20,000 bottles made) offers fresh, citrusy tones with lemon curd and candied peach. This barrique-aged white also offers mid-weight density and plenty of orchard fruit, saffron and light spice. It concludes with fresh acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eProduct Size: 750ml\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SGWS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670670119217,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Querciabella_Batar_Tuscany_Italy_2020_547643a9-a1bd-4eb8-ba54-04a85df1d9dc.jpg?v=1749845062"},{"product_id":"edi-keber-collio-bianco-friuli-venezia-giulia-italy-2022","title":"Edi Keber, Collio Bianco, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStaff favorite!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCormons - Gorizia, Collio Friuli, Italy Situated just a stone’s throw away from the Slovenian border, Edi Keber’s 10 hectares of vineyards grow on the classic “ponka” soil, a stony, friable marl that gives the wines remarkable weight and body. Extremely poor, the \"ponka\" naturally stresses the vines which produce very small quantities of grapes (1 to 1.5 kg x vine) and provide a distinctive minerality, typical of the Collio region. Keber's first bottled wines date back to 1957, although his family, originally from Vienna, has made wine for 350 years. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdi deeply believes in the unique character of the Collio terroir and his objective is to make, starting with the 2008 vintage, only one white wine that will embody the tradition of the Collio by blending the three varieties that have been grown in the area since before the two great wars: Friulano, providing for body and structure, Malvasia Istriana to impart the aromatic component and Ribolla Gialla for its acidity. Edi’s young son, Kristian, follows his father’s maverick footsteps helping in every aspect of the production. The grapes are picked at their highest possible maturity levels and are then fermented and matured in old cement vats, which according to Edi, add an element of “soul” to the wine as opposed to the sterility of stainless steel. Keber’s wines are deep, intense, long-lived, where generous fruit and terroir blend seamlessly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eKristian Keber\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e70% Friulano, 15% Ribolla Gialla and 15% Malvasia Istriana\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFriuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe vineyards are located in cru Zegla\u003cstrong\u003e on soils rich in ponka\u003c\/strong\u003e (also called flysch), a peculiar soil type consisting of alternating layers of limestone marl and sandstone. After harvesting, the grapes are vinified entirely in concrete tanks, where the wine matures for more than a year before being bottled and released on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the glass, winemaker Edi Keber's Friulian Collio Bianco wine shows a lovely bright straw yellow color. Intriguing and complex is the olfactory range, characterized by intense fruity and floral notes of white peach, cedar and magnolia that blend with pleasant hints of almond and vivid mineral sensations. Savory and juicy palate, \u003cstrong\u003esoft and sapid\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a warm and remarkably long finish. A very versatile artisanal white in food-wine pairing, and an ideal choice with both land and seafood dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIn its distinctive bottle with a conical neck, the cement-aged Edi Keber 2022 Collio is a blend of 70% Friulano, 15% Ribolla Gialla and 15% Malvasia Istriana made in a natural style that prizes fermentative aromas with hints of ripe stone fruit, poached pear and breakfast brioche. This house style is underlined by aromatic complexity and soft textural richness. This is an elegant white with a hint of hot-vintage sweetness on the finish. Production is 48,000 bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Caroline Debbane Selections","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51342984282417,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Edi_Keber_Collio_Bianco_Friuli-Venezia_Giulia_Italy_2022.jpg?v=1747075077"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/june-18-italian-whites.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}