White Wine Can Axartell Corum 2021. No need to decant before drinking. Dating almost 800 years back on the northeast corner of Mallorca, is the innovative winemaking and olive oil estate of Can Axartell. Falling under different occupations, the island was under Moorish rule for years and recaptured by Christian conquerors in 1229. The Moors had most likely tended to vineyards on the island, but once occupied by the Christians, the grapes began to be used for winemaking. In modern day, the vineyards of Can Axartell were discovered by Hamburg-native Hans-Peter Schwarzkopf. Obtaining the property, he and his family put much time and effort into fully revitalizing the estate. Today, 34 hectares of vines have been planted on the estate with an additional 24 hectares planted inland. To preserve the integrity and tradition of the land, all vineyards are certified organic and the soils have never been touched by harsh chemicals. The Corum is a wine of strong elegance that captures the aromatic richness and Mediterranean tradition of the grape Malvasia de Banyalbufar, a name that is actually derived from the Arabic meaning for vineyards by the sea”. A tropical fruit basket of lychee, passionfruit and pineapple pour from the glass gently intertwined with non-fruit notes of fennel, white flower, and honey. The palate is opulent with zippy acidity and the emergence of both tropical and stone fruits. Having spent time on lees in French oak barrels, an unmistakable creaminess is present with notes of yeast, nuts, and custard. The Corum is best enjoyed not too cold, but closer to room temperature for all the layers and complexities to come out. Pair with soft cheeses, a variety of white fish and seafood, Asian cuisine, and poultry.
2021
White Wine Can Axartell Corum 2021
White Wine Capichera Isola dei Nuraghi 2021. The Capichera estate in north-eastern Sardinia dates back to the 19th century, but it was only in 1980 that they bottled this Isola dei Nuraghi wine that was their first Vermentino. Today the winery is considered one of the island’s leading producers of this crisp and elegant white wine, with the Italian wine journalist Luigi Veronelli even describing their style as Mediterranean Montrachet”. In total the family have 50 hectares of vineyards and have built a solid reputation for their quality-focused winemaking. Their Isola dei Nuraghi white is made from their finest Vermentino vines which are carefully managed to give low yields of perfectly-balanced fruit. Once in the winery the grapes are pressed and fermented in temperature-controlled tanks. The wine is bottled after a brief period of maturation to preserve plenty of freshness and aromatics. Delicate notes of wild flowers, rosemary, thyme and ripe peaches dominate on the nose, while on the palate there’s a mouthwatering acidity, light body, and hints of minerality on the pure, clean finish. This is a great aperitif to serve before dinner or as an accompaniment to a generous platter of fruits de mer, grilled fish, sushi, or leafy summer salads.
2021
White Wine Capichera Lintori Vermentino Sardegna 2021. The Italian island of Sardinia is rightfully famed for its crisp and refreshing Vermentino wines, and this bottle from Capichera is a classic example of the style. On the nose there are inviting hints of dried herbs, tropical fruit and sea salt while the first sip reveals a bright acidity, light body and very clean finish with a delicate touch of minerality. The vibrant flavour profile makes this very easy to sip by the pool or in the backyard. It also pairs perfectly with lighter dishes like sushi, seafood and most fresh fish dishes. A true benchmark producer for typical Sardinian wines, the Capichera winery was founded in 1980 and today has some 50 hectares of estate vineyards. Their philosophy focuses on producing the very best quality fruit, and they have a respected reputation for their excellent Vermentino white wines. The land has been owned by the family since the 19th century and was well known locally for the quality of its wines even then. Capichera bottled their first Vermentino in 1980 in what was then a dramatic new style, richer and with greater ageing potential than the standard local whites. It was even described by famous Italian wine writer Luigi Veronelli as a Mediterranean Montrachet”. Today Capichera continues to hold true to this pioneering spirit and is regarded as one of northern Sardinia’s top wineries.
2021