2001 ‘Le Guincare’ Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Riserva, Monte Schiavo
Appearance: lovely gold colour with slight tinge of orange to it.
Nose: beautiful sour lemon and pear nose with nuttiness and good development (other savoury aromas like mushrooms and washed-rind cheese).
Palate: excellent acidity, balanced alcohol and at a beautiful stage. Very, very good.
Conclusion: this is lovely stuff. Italian whites get a hard press internationally (usually), in part because the wines on offer are dilute, bland and inexpressive (whereas the higher quality whites tend to stay in Italy itself). Verdicchio is a sophisticated grape that has similar ageing potential to Chardonnay from cooler climates. It has a bit more acidity though which can help. Monte Schiavo does a good job.
Rating: 18/20
