White Wine La Raia Gavi Riserva 2017. Set in the heart of Gavi, La Raia has a reputation for producing delicious white wines with a laser-like precision and plenty of minerality. La Raia was purchased by the Rossi Cairo family in 2003 and over the past couple of decades they have sought to nurture the local ecosystem and boost biodiversity by embracing biodynamic agriculture. In 2007 the estate was Demeter-certified and the family seek to work in harmony with nature as much as possible in both winemaking and grape growing. This lively Gavi Riserva is crafted from prime Cortese grapes and fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the trademark freshness and pure citrus fruit character of the variety. Grapes are sourced from the estate’s La Madoninna vineyard, a prime south-east facing plot planted on calcareous clay soils which are fertilised using green manure composed of broad beans, peas and clover. On the nose there are delicate hints of lemon zest, rose petals, fresh mint and melon. The palate leads with a refreshing acidity followed by notes of citrus and tropical fruit on a medium body and a clean, pure finish. A fantastic aperitif or accompaniment to fresh seafood, fish or a generous platter of cheeses.
2017
White Wine La Raia Gavi Riserva 2017
White Wine Movia Lunar 2017. In recent years Movia has emerged as one of Eastern Europe’s finest producers of biodynamic and artisanal wines. Although founded right back in 1700, since 1820 the estate has been in the hands of the Kristančič family who today work some 18 hectares of vineyards in western Slovenia. The estate is located in the Goriška Brda region right on the border with Italy, and half of the family’s vines actually lie on the other side of the border. Considered one of Movia’s finest white wines, Lunar showcases the potential of the Ribolla Gialla grape variety for creating magnificent orange wines with a long period of skin contact. The grapes are farmed biodynamically and organically to produce the best quality fruit possible and harvested by hand. Once in the winery fermentation takes place using wild yeasts and the wine is left to mature and macerate on the skins in wooden barrels for 8 months. The result is a remarkably complex and intense orange wine with enticing hints of toffee, green apple, toasted almonds and honey on the nose. The first sip reveals a full body, rich and creamy texture and fine-grained tannins which help to give the wine an elegant structure which will respond well to extended cellaring.
2017
White Wine Sieur d’Arques Toques et Clochers Limoux Chardonnay Oceanique 2017. The Toques et Clochers” series from Sieur d’Arques literally translates as Chefs’ Hats and Bell Towers”, and takes its name from a famous annual charity auction and major wine event which raises money to preserve the Limoux region’s historic churches. These wines are designed to showcase the region’s four distinctive terroirs and to emphasise their remarkable gastronomic potential. The Chardonnay Oceanique is made with grapes from the Sieur d’Arques cooperative’s cooler vineyard sites which sit on gravelly soils at 300 metres of altitude and enjoy breezes from the nearby Mediterranean Sea. After harvesting the grapes at optimal ripeness, the grape must is vinified in oak barrels and aged on the lees for 6 months to add seductive creamy notes and a well-rounded mouthfeel. On the nose the characteristic green apple, citrus and white peach notes of the Chardonnay come to the fore, followed by delicate hints of toast and salinity. The first sip reveals a velvety smooth mouthfeel complemented by a vibrant acidity and well-developed fruity and honeyed flavours. This delicate balance and finesse makes this wine a great partner for scallops cooked with saffron, creamy chicken dishes or pan-fried fish with roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
2017