White Wine Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2019. Although Gianni Masciarelli sadly passed away in 2008, his remarkable legacy lives on through his wife Marina and oldest daughter Miriam who now run the 900-acre estate together. Gianni became a leading light in Abruzzo’s wine industry after founding his own winery in 1981. The visionary winemaker insisted on very low yields in the vineyards and using modern winemaking techniques at a time when many of his neighbours were producing relatively low quality bulk wines. Gianni’s hard work earned the Masciarelli estate a total of 29 Tre Bicchieri awards and rave reviews from many of the top international wine critics. In 1991 he created the Marina Cvetic line of wines named after his wife which express the estate’s finest terroirs. This graceful white is made with fruit from two specific vineyards in the village of San Martino sulla Marrucina. Once in the winery the fruit is pressed and fermented in new French oak barrels for 15-30 days followed by 12 months of ageing in the barrel. Ripe peach, mango and apricots dominate on the nose along with more delicate hints of honeysuckle, toasted oak, and gentle spice. The first sip reveals a bright acidity, smooth, well-rounded texture, and a long finish seasoned with notes of vanilla, baking spice and freshly-baked bread. A great wine to serve alongside roast chicken, pan-fried salmon, or more hearty dishes like lasagna and aubergine parmigiana.
2019
White Wine Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2019
White Wine Mayacamas Chardonnay 2019. Mayacamas is recognised as one of Napa’s leading wineries thanks to its exceptional mountain terroir and inspired winemaking by the legendary Andy Erickson. The historic winery was originally founded back in 1889 by German emigrant and pickle merchant JH Fisher. More recently it has enjoyed a renaissance under the Schottenstein family who brought in Erickson and invested in significant improvements to the property. Chardonnay was first planted at Mayacamas in the 1940s, and this bottling is made primarily from 46-year old dry-farmed vines planted on the rocky volcanic soils high up on Mount Veeder. The tough conditions here help to grow intensely-flavoured, concentrated fruit which retains plenty of aromatics and freshness thanks to the cooler nights. Once in the winery the fruit is sorted by hand and the pressed juice fermented and aged in a mixture of barrels, puncheons and foudres. Mayacamas is famous for its use of neutral oak, even for Chardonnay, with this wine aged for 12 months in oak before bottling. The result is a vibrant yet powerful Chardonnay that’s bursting with acacia blossom, marzipan, apples and green pear notes. On the palate there’s a rich, creamy texture balanced by a mouthwatering finish and solid core of orchard fruit. Overall it’s a magnificent white to serve alongside roast chicken, creamy salmon dishes, or risottos, although it can also be cellared for a while longer.
2019
White Wine Merryvale Chardonnay Carneros 2019. No need to decant. Merryvale Vineyards winery is recognized around the world as one of the most renowned producers of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, California. The company also includes the Profile and Stamont brands. The historic building of Merryvale is the first winery built in Napa Valley after the repeal of prohibition in 1933. Today the company pays particular attention to respecting and preserving the environment, thanks also to sustainable agricultural practices. The Chardonnay grapes come mostly from the Stanly Ranch Estate Vineyard (84%) and the renowned Hyde Vineyard (16%). The proximity to the bay of San Pablo guarantees cool temperatures which result in a wine of good vivacity and acidity. After the alcoholic and the malolactic fermentations, the wine is aged ‘sur lie’ for 11 months. This Chardonnay is endowed with great elegance and finesse and expresses all the warmth of the California sun. Its bouquet is exuberant and varied and includes the floral notes of jasmine and hyacinth, the spicy aromas of saffron, vanilla, and nutmeg, and the juicy fruitiness of pineapple, plums, and ripe apples. The influence of the wood is harmoniously integrated into the olfactory and gustatory profile. In the mouth, the wine is round and creamy with a lively acid component that makes it slender, vibrant, and elegant. The finish is persistent and of good intensity. Try it with poultry or soft cheeses.
2019