Piedmont, Italy – 100% Erbaluce
A racy, zippy white from one of northern Piedmont’s rare native grapes. Aromas of white flowers and citrus lead into white nectarine and pithy citrus on the palate, with a grassy, herbal edge and a fine, silvery line of bitterness so typical of Italian whites. Bright acidity keeps it fresh, juicy and full of energy, and it opens up beautifully with a little time in the glass. Great with oysters, fritto misto (fried seafood, meats and veggies) Think Calamari, seafood risotto, vegetable antipasti or fresh goat cheese.
Antoniolo is the benchmark estate of Gattinara in Alto Piemonte. It was founded in 1948 by Mario Antoniolo and is now run by his grandchildren, Alberto and Lorella. The family farms 14 hectares on volcanic soils in the foothills of the Alps, using no chemical fertilizers and only minimal sulphur in the cellar. Local legend says the fairy Albaluce gifted this grape to the people of Caluso, which is where Erbaluce gets its name.