Tiberio - Trebbiano D'abruzzo 2024 750ml
Tiberio Trebbiano D'Abruzzo offers a rare glimpse into the authentic history of Italian white wine. Sourced from vines that are over seventy-five years old, this bottle stands apart from standard versions of the varietal. The estate relies on the true Trebbiano Abruzzese grape, a high-quality vine often confused with lesser varieties. These ancient plants grow on traditional pergola trellises in the limestone and sandy soils of Cugnoli.
The winemaking is handled with extreme care to preserve the essence of the fruit. The grapes are harvested by hand in mid-September. Uniquely, the winemaker uses only free-run juice. This means the fruit is never pressed, resulting in a liquid of incredible purity and finesse. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks using natural yeasts found in the vineyard. There is no oak aging, and the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered to maintain its texture.
In the glass, the wine is brilliant and clear with light yellow hues. The nose opens with fresh scents of apricot, jasmine, and orange blossom. On the palate, it is crisp and zippy. Flavors of green apple mix with a classic note of almond and anise. It is a clean, focused expression of the Abruzzo region that is perfect for food.
Tre Monti - Vitalba Albana In Anfora 2023 750ml
Tre Monti Romagna Albana In Anfora Vitalba 2022 changes the way we think about Italian white wine. Produced in the hills of Imola, this wine is a pioneer of the region. The estate uses large clay vessels from Georgia, known as Kvevri, to craft this unique bottle. It is made from 100 percent Albana grapes grown in the clay and silt soils of the Vigna Bacchilega vineyard. These vines were planted in 1983 and are farmed organically.
The winemaking process is ancient and natural. The juice sits on the grape skins for nearly three months inside the buried clay pots. There are no added yeasts and no temperature controls. This long contact with the skins turns the wine into a deep golden color, often called orange wine. This method acts as an accelerator. It concentrates the flavors without hiding the true taste of the Albana grape.
In the glass, Vitalba offers an intense straw yellow color. The nose is complex with scents of exotic fruit, dried apricots, and wild aromatic herbs. On the palate, it is full and savory. It has a gripping texture and plenty of freshness to balance the rich fruit. It is a robust wine with high alcohol that feels elegant rather than heavy. This bottle is a flagship for the winery and a favorite among critics. It pairs well with rich fish dishes, roasted white meats, or a board of medium-aged cheeses.
Feudo Montoni - Nero D'Avola Lagnusa 2022 750ml
Feudo Montoni Nero D'avola Lagnusa offers a masterclass in Sicilian viticulture. The name Lagnusa translates to "lazy" in the local dialect. Farmers originally gave the vineyard this title because it produced small amounts of fruit. However, we now know that these low yields result in a wine of tremendous focus and concentration. Fabio Sireci, the third generation of his family to guide this historic estate, stewards these organic vines on sandy soils high in the mountains.
The fruit comes from thirty-five-year-old vines grafted from ancient mother plants. This preserves the genetic heritage of the variety. The winemaking process is designed to highlight pure fruit flavors. Fermentation takes place in cement containers using wild native yeasts. The wine ages primarily in cement for twenty months, followed by a brief rest in wood barrels. This method retains the natural energy of the grape without masking it with heavy oak.
In the glass, this red wine pours a distinct ruby color. The nose is complex, layering aromas of red plum and blackberry with warm spices like cinnamon and clove. A refreshing note of menthol lifts the bouquet. On the palate, the texture is soft and velvety. Delicate tannins frame the fruit, while the high altitude of the vineyard ensures a fresh and sapid finish. It is a perfect expression of the unique "island within an island" terroir of Feudo Montoni.
