PL Award 1: SILVER - IWC 2016 Country: Italy  Region: Marche  Vintage: 2020/21 Category: White Wine  Color:  White Producer: Cantine Belisario "This 300 hectare co-operative is situated in Matelica, which is a smaller zone than Castelli di Jesi. The co-operative has 24 organically cultivated vineyards that are situated further inland than Castelli di Jesi, where the climate is more continental. The combination of warm days and cool nights allows the aromatic qualities of the grapes to develop and extends the growing season, so that harvest takes place as late as the second half of October. Grapes for their 'Terre di Valbona' are grown in vineyards planted between 350 and 450 metres above sea level. Higher up the quality ladder is the single-vineyard 'Vigneti del Cerro'. This site, situated 360 metres above sea level, produces a wine with an extra level of richness and depth on the palate. Their Riserva, 'Cambrugiano', has lovely depth and texture, and is certainly one of the best wines produced from Verdicchio. New this year is a Rosso Conero. Made solely from Montepulciano, it is full and ripe and as impressive as the white wines from this fine producer." Product Features: Sustainable;Vegan;Vegetarian Winemaker: Roberto Potentini Vineyards: The south facing single vineyard from which fruit for this wine is sourced is located at 360 metres above sea level, with vines between 8 and 27 years old. The vines are planted at a density of 1,666 to 3,500 plants per hectare and yield approximately seven tonnes per hectare. Vinification: The grapes were pressed and the must cold settled before fermentation at 13°C for 20 days. The wine was then aged for four months in stainless steel tank before bottling. Tasting Notes: Pale with green highlights. Abundant aromas of vibrant grapefruit, white flowers and hints of honey dominate the nose. The palate shows refreshing acidity, interesting mineral characters, a light hint of ripe fruit and a final burst of zingy lemon to lift the finish. A beautifully balanced wine, with a soft mouthfeel that retains a wonderful lifted, fresh character. Food Suggestion: Perfect with salads, white fish and goats' cheeses. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV: 13%