White Wine Ca Rugate San Michele Soave Classico 2019. Ca Rugate takes its name after the fertile volcanic hills where the winery is based. The Tessari family have been making wines here since the 1950s, although the first vintages of Ca Rugate were only released in 1986. In 2001 the fourth generation of the family, Michele, took over the running of the estate and began an extensive modernization programme which has seen the wines soar in quality and reputation. Michele has also embraced sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices in the vineyard and winery, using natural fertilizers and avoiding chemical pesticides. Their masterful Soave is sourced from prime vineyards in Monteforte d’Alpone planted on basalt and clay soils which help to give the wine a laser-like focus and stony minerality. Fruit is harvested at the end of September at optimum maturity. In the winery the grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the acidity and pure varietal character. The fragrant nose opens with sweet almonds, elderflower and chamomile while the first sip reveals a crisp acidity, bright citrus notes and a pure, clean finish with a focused minerality. A fabulous wine to serve as an aperitif or with fresh seafood, creamy cheeses or leafy summer salads.
2019
White Wine Ca Rugate San Michele Soave Classico 2019
White Wine Castello di Ama Al Poggio Chardonnay 2019. Castello di Ama is best known for their spectacular L’Apparita wine which helped put Italy on the map for world class 100% Merlot wines. In 1987 L’Apparita actually beat wines from the prestigious Pétrus and Le Pin estates in Bordeaux at a blind tasting organised by the Académie du Vin in Switzerland. Following this spectacular triumph Castello di Ama has enjoyed a reputation for being one of Italy’s finest wineries, continuing to work with Merlot and other international varieties as well as indigenous grapes like Sangiovese. Chardonnay is particularly well-suited to the soils on the estate which are rich in chalk and set at altitude which helps to preserve plenty of mouthwatering freshness and aromatics in the grapes. After the fruit is pressed 60% of the must is fermented in stainless steel tanks with the remainder fermented in oak barrels. The wine is then left to mature on the lees for 8 months with regular stirring to add extra complexity and a soft, creamy texture. White peach, bright citrus, apricot and hints of wildflowers define the nose while the palate offers a generous full body, rich mouthfeel and a long and elegant finish. The balance between power and refinement makes this a great gastronomic wine for creamy pasta dishes, roast chicken, salmon and aged cheeses.
2019
White Wine Castiglion del Bosco Chardonnay Toscana 2019. No need to decant before serving Castiglion del Bosco is a founding member of the Brunello di Montalcino Wine Consortium, which in 1967 was one of the earliest Italian wines to earn Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) status. The original 25 founding members produced approximately 850,000 bottles, while today the production exceeds 6,000,000 bottles and the consortium has grown to 140 wineries. The Castiglion del Bosco or walled castle in the wood was built about 800 years ago in the typical mediaeval style. At the beginning of the 13th century the Cacciaconti family originally from Siena added stone walls around the castle for further security. The walls can still be seen today with the stone tower. The Chardonnay Toscana is exclusively made from Chardonnay grapes, giving it a freshness and crispness as well as elegance. The innovative Vinilok glass stopper helps to preserve the freshness and floral qualities of the wine. For an ideal harvest the Chardonnay grapes are best suited to a drier winter, followed by the cool and rainy spring. The higher temperatures of summer encourage perfect ripening, while a cooler September, just prior to harvest, strengthens the aromatic characteristics of the grape. The Chardonnay Toscana has a lemon hue with subtle hints of green. The aromas are fruity and floral, particularly citrus, such as grapefruit and orange. The acidity is stronger but balanced, with a strong minerality marking its appeal. This Chardonnay Toscana is an excellent foil for richer dishes such as salmon and other oily fish along with seafood and chicken dishes.
2019