Liguria di Levante Ciliegiolo 2019
The vineyard is located on the boarders between Liguria and Tuscany in small 3-hectare plots and about 3 miles from the ocean. With the seafaring city of Genoa as its capital and frequented by the Etruscan’s, they have been credited with starting wine growing in the region 1,000 years ago. This thin strip of land boarded by the ocean and the alps is responsible for producing some wonderful medium bodied wines suitable for pairing with both seafood, chicken and of course pasta and pizza.
The nose is dominated by cherries and floral notes with a light bright seductive character. The palate has the same light easy-going character with a delicate balance. Interwoven layers of cherries, red fruits and blueberries, wrapped in elegance and finesse with just a hint of sweetness. This is a must try wine, absolutely delicious.
Ulibarri Winery: Bizaiko Txakolina 2017.
The grape is Hondarrabi Zuri and is native of the Basque Country, Spain and is the main grape variety used in Txakoli’s white wines. There are three different spellings and potentially three other names this has been known to reside under- all of which are equally obscure. Small bunches of golden grapes producing a golden color wine that is most definitely appealing to the eye.
The nose is intriguing with layers of ripe fruits, nuts and citrus. The palate is crisp and clean with an inviting mouthfeel with green apple, melon, citrus and nuts with great acidity and minerality to spare. This is a wine you will want to pour your friends this summer. I’d pair with white fish, salads, vegetable and artichoke dishes or baked chicken with a nut crust. Very linear and focused- almost like an Australian dry Riesling, only with a twist. Interesting wine and definitely worth drinking.
Vine to Table 