White Wine Stina Posip 2020. The Stina winery takes its name from the pristine white stone which is so typical of the islands of Dalmatia. Founded in 2009 by local winemaker Jako Vino, the winery is set in a picturesque location in the former cooperative winery of the island of Brac right on the waterfront. Jako sources his grapes from prime plots on the southern slopes of the island and has built a cult following for his delicious interpretations of Dalmatia’s classic indigenous varieties like Plavac Mali and Posip. This bottling is crafted from old vines in Korcula which is widely recognised as having the island’s finest microclimate. The vines are planted on steep slopes which must be worked manually and the grapes are carefully harvested by hand. The nose opens with intoxicating scents of tropical fruit, sea salt ripe peaches and Mediterranean herbs while the first sip reveals a medium body with a bright streak of acidity providing a counterpoint to the ripe fruit flavours and juicy character. A great wine to pair with fresh fish, seafood or even sushi thanks to the vibrant profile, although it can also be cellared for another few years to add extra grace and elegance.
2020
White Wine Stina Posip 2020
White Wine Stina Vugava 2020. Named after the brilliant white stone found all over the island of Brac, Stina winery was founded in 2009 by local vintner Jako Vino. The winery occupies a stunning setting right on the waterfront in Bol in the building formerly used as the island’s cooperative winery. Since founding the winery Jako has succeeded in making Stina a reference point for indigenous Dalmatian wines using classic local varieties like Posip and Plavac Mali. This unusual bottling is crafted from the Vugava grape which is virtually unknown outside of Croatia. Jako is leading efforts to experiment with and unlock the potential of this grape which boasts excellent balance and fragrance on the nose. Jako sources his grapes for this wine from prime vineyards in the interior of the nearby island of Vis. To preserve freshness and the natural character of the grapes they are harvested early in the morning by hand. Currently the only commercial producer of Vugava, Stina have succeeded in creating a delicious white which is somewhat reminiscent of Viognier. Apricot, apples, citrus fruit and subtle hints of white flowers characterise the flavour profile while the palate offers a rich texture, striking acidity and a pure and clean finish.
2020
White Wine Tenuta di Castellaro Bianco Porticello 2020. The Aeolian island of Lipari off the north coast of Sicily is blessed with rich volcanic soils and a balmy Mediterranean climate that makes it the ideal spot to make exceptional wines. Entrepreneur Massimo Lentsch fell in love with the island while on holiday here and soon returned to found his own winery in 2013. In total the estate now has 20 acres of land spread in isolated spots across the island which are planted with indigenous varieties like Malvasia delle Lipari and Nero d’Avola. This elegant white wine is crafted from Carricante and Moscato which grow at an altitude of 350 metres close to the coast. The cooling sea breezes help to moderate the temperature even during high summer, preserving plenty of freshness and delicate aromatics in the grapes. The fruit is fermented in large 30 hectolitre casks and left to mature here on the lees for 4 months before bottling. Luscious ripe peaches, apricot, citrus and honeysuckle leap out of the glass while the first sip reveals a bright acidity, light body, and hints of toasty oak, vanilla and spice on the mouthwatering finish. There’s a good balance between ripe fruit and complex oak character which makes this a great match for roast chicken, risottos, and spicy Asian dishes.
2020