Another round of fantastic whites from GrapeCircus!
Disclosure: samples kindly provided for review, opinions are my own
Cantina Roccafiori Bianco “Fiorfiore” 2015 (14.0%, RRP €22.00 at Sheridan’s, Mitchell & Son and SIYPS)
We met Roccafiori’s Fiordaliso in Round 1; whereas that was a blend of 85% Grechetto di Todi and 15% Trebbiano Spoletino, their flagship wine Fiorfiore is 100% Grechetto di Todi. It’s matured in large (5,000L) Slavonian oak casks which add texture and complexity but very little actual oak flavour. This is a grown up, powerful and savoury wine which still manages to be fresh – a wine for contemplation.
La Marca di San Michele Verdicchio “Saltatempo” 2016 (12.5%, RRP €21.00 at Sheridan’s, Mitchell & Son)
The La Marca di San Michele estate in Cupramontana was founded by siblings Alessandro Bonci, Beatrice Bonci, and Daniela Quaresima in 2007. They are certified organic and take a low intervention approach. This Verdicchio has quite a floral nose but plenty of apple and pear to go with it. In the mouth it’s lithe and fluid, fruit and minerality competing for your attention. Just a stunning wine that you won’t be able to resist!
M&A Arndorfer Vorgeschmack White 2016 (11.5%, RRP €21.00 at Sheridan’s and SIYPS)
Vorgeschmack means a “taster” as in an introduction. The Arndorfers have both red and white Vorgeschmacks which are both blends; 80% Zweigelt and 20% Pinot Noir for the red and 80% Grüner Veltliner plus 20% Riesling for this white. I really like their straight GV but this is even more interesting – two of Austria’s key white grapes combining to make a tangy, fresh combination. Very versatile for food matching!