2019 BORGO PAGLIANETTO “TERRAVIGNATA” – MARCHE, ITALY
Verdicchio di Matelica
Winemaking details: At the heart of this winery is great care for the environment and the soil, wanting the land to be thriving for the next generation. Because of this both the grapes and wine are certified organic. These Verdicchio grapes are hand harvested and go directly to the press, after which the juice is fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks. Once the fermentation is complete, the wine is racked into tank where it ages for 4 months before bottling.
Color: Pale straw
Bouquet: Green apple, green almond, lime oil, lemon curd, light brine, under ripe peaches
Palate: This is a very lively wine with racy acidity, a lighter body, and a soft texture with a slightly oily mouthfeel. It is classic and characteristic of the grape and region, and has a lovely saline note that lingers on the back palate. This wine would be great with calamari, bocarones, an extra zesty pesto pasta, or lemon-herb risotto with grilled lingcod.
This wine is bright and fresh and meant to enjoy within 2 years.
Further information can be found here: https://www.borgopaglianetto.com/
2017 DOMAINE DE ORCHIS – HAUTE SAVOIE, FRANCE
Mondeuse
Winemaking details: This young Domaine located in Frangy, a French alpine town near Mont Blanc, was started by Phillipe Heritier in 2007. Along with vines, this versatile man also farms snails for high-end restaurants throughout the country. The estate was certified organic in 2011 and has been using biodynamic practices (without certification) since 2009. The Mondeuse was planted on a 2 hectare plot in 1992 on rocky and clay soils heavily influenced by glacial activity. Phillipe chooses to destem 95% of the grapes and ferment with indigenous yeasts. Ageing takes places in neutral oak barriques on fine lees for 18 months and the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal effective sulfur.
Color: Medium Ruby
Bouquet: Fresh blackberry, black currant, violets, leather, baking spices, alpine soils
Palate: This wine is layered and complex, with a beautiful intensity of flavors yet an elegant mouthfeel. It is medium bodied with bright acidity and smooth tannin. The wonderful aromatics continue on the palate and keep evolving, with a lingering and spicy finish. This wine is alive and would benefit from decanting for 30 minutes (or if you have restrain sipping slowly over a few hours). Things to eat with Mondeuse include savory herb cheese fondue or other alpine cheeses, tartiflette (a classic dish from Savoie), grilled veggetable casserole, or a hearty rabbit stew.
Enjoy this wine now, or cellar it for up to 10 years.
Further information can be found here: http://domainedesorchis.fr/?page_id=62&lang=en