2018 BISSON “U Pastine” – LIGURIA, ITALY
Bianchetta Genovese
Winemaking details: Pierluigi Lugano is a champion of rare and local grapes along the Ligurian coast, and has even kept a few varietals from going extinct. The grapes for this wine come from the steep, rocky, and iconic vineyards of the area which are farmed by hand with biodynamic practices. After pressing, the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, after which it rests on fine lees for 8 months before bottling.
Color: Straw yellow
Bouquet: Oyster shell, white flowers, meyer lemon, and green apple.
Palate: This delicate but lively wine is very saline and earthy, with subtle notes of herbs, yellow apricot, and grapefruit. It is light to medium bodied with a beautiful acidity and a nice dry finish. It would be great with herb crusted halibut, stuffed zucchini, or a cheese plate with roasted almonds.
This wine is drinking great now and will cellar for another 3 or so years.
Further information can be found here: https://www.bissonvini.it/la-nostra-storia
2017 CANTINA DEL PINO – PIEDMONT, ITALY
Nebbiolo
Winemaking details: These vineyards are in the town of Barbaresco, sitting atop calcareous limestone and bits of sand. After hand harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and ferment for about 7 days on the skins. After pressing, the wine is transferred to stainless steel where it ages for about 8 months and undergoes malolactic fermentation.
Color: Translucent ruby
Bouquet: Dusty rose petals, dried strawberries, leather, cherry, hints of anise.
Palate: A classic and elegant example of Langhe Nebbiolo. Firm but fine tannin, medium body and acidity, and a long finish. It is layered and structured, with a hint of that dusty Italian rusticity. The pairings for this wine are endless, from BBQ chicken to Tagliatelle with pancetta, or even beef bourguignon.
This wine is still a bit young and tight, but nonetheless enjoyable. However, it could be rested for another 8-10 years.
Further information can be found here: https://www.cantinadelpino.com/