MALVASIE 2011
Russian River Valley
100% Malvasia Bianca
Saralee’s Vineyard
The Malvasia grapes were crushed and destemmed, malolactic fermentation was inhibited. Aging in neuter oak with batônnage performed at regular intervals.
“While Enrico and Letizia made their names on their Friuli-style blend, their pure Malvasia is an exceptional take on that grape. The cold year provided more subtlety, but it’s still deep: ginger, candied pear and iris aromas, with a rich Gewürtztraminer-like texture.”
~Jon Bonné,
San Francisco Chronicle’s Top 100 Wines 2012
“The aromatic notes typical of this grape are given a little extra mid-palate pliancy and depth that is pure California, but without robbing the wine of any of its essential varietal expressiveness. White orchard/stone fruits, flowers and a subtle hint of earthiness are layered into the close. The 2011 finishes with substantial depth and polish. Malvasia is an aromatic white grape typical of Friuli, but it seems to have considerable potential in the Russian River as well judging from this exceptional effort.”
~Antonio Galloni