Ah! It’s in fair Verona where we lay our scene, a city famous for drama, fatal family feuds (unsurprising thanks to Shakespeare), and it’s proximity to the canal city of Venice. With all of this it’s maybe expected that one might not be aware of its illustrious wine pedigree. Pinot Grigio might not be one of the varieties the area is known for, but the cool climate and soil make for some brilliant drinking – and this falls easily under that category. Hailing from Northeast of the city this is a refreshing, easy to drink white, at a perfect price. Aromas of fresh, crunchy pears and apples with a tiny hint of spice and an element I can only describe as sea spray. The palate is invigorating with citrus and a clean minerality. Drink with a creamy risotto of Riso Vialone nano, or a proper Veronese polenta with cured meat and cheese.
From the Vineyard
Mandoleto is a collection of modern wines matched to the ideal Italian region, identified over thousands of years of trial and error. Mandoleto is named in honour of the Mandorlo (Almond) tree that grow alongside the vines on the steep hillsides. Each spring the Mandorlo flower, bringing a touch of beauty to the harsh landscape.
Sourced from higher altitude vineyards north east of Verona. The fruit is later ripening and picked early in the morning to preserve natural acidity and freshness. The vinification is quick and precise with fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks before maturation on lees for three months to build depth of flavour.
An extremely challenging vintage characterised by rain, rain and more rain. The vintage conditions in 2014 required very diligent and patient vignerons who carefully managed their vines to avoid disease and were brave enough to leave the crop hanging to gain sufficient ripeness. As with every vintage, there were successful sub-regions and good wines were made in 2014, although almost all are delicate and early drinking.
