Thursday, June 12, 2008

Sartarelli 2004 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico (Marche)


A fabulous wine from one of the top producers of Verdicchio; a crisp white from Marche (the back of the knee of the Italian boot). Following several years of selling their estates' entire grape production, in 1972, owners Donatella Sartarelli and Patrizio Chiacchianini began making their own wines, focusing entirely on Verdicchio. Sartarelli wines afford wine lovers the ability to taste wine vertically; not by year, but by richness and depth. The entry-level "Classico", is a textbook example of a verdicchio; citrusy and bright. The next level up is "Tralivio", which benefits from a more meticulous grape selection in the vineyard. The flagship "Balciana" gets further heft from the introduction of a small percentage of late harvest grapes. The "Classico" I enjoyed is an easy-drinking wine that pairs well with seafood, white meats, and appetizers.

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