Country: Italy  Region: Veneto  Vintage: 2018 Category: White Wine  Color: White Producer: Ca' di Alte "We've been watching the Cantina Colli Vicentini for a few years and weren't surprised, with the arrival of Alberto Marchisio as director and winemaker with the 2012 vintage, that the quality of the wines has improved dramatically. The grapes are grown primarily on the hills south of Vicenza, the Colli Berici, which ensures lower yields and better ripeness. With Alberto's hand in the winery, the delicate aromas of the whites, both of which are unoaked, have been preserved. The Sauvignon Blanc is surprisingly fragrant and varietal (ripe rather than herbaceous) while the Pinot Grigio has an attractive biscuity character. The Pinot Nero shows just what can be achieved with the cool nights (thanks to altitude) here. The wine has good colour and an appealing cherry perfume, decent depth on the palate and good length. It puts many a Bourgogne Pinot Noir to shame. The Merlot is riper and juicier than other Merlots from the Veneto and offers great value. These wines, the cream of the production from the Colli Vicentini co-operative, are, we're convinced, just what our customers are looking for at the moment." Product Features: Vegan;Vegetarian Winemaker: Alberto Marchisio Vineyards: The vineyards are located in the hills and are north facing. The hillside sites experience cooler nights, allowing the aromatic compounds of the grapes to develop. The vines are trained using the Guyot system. The soil is calcareous and of volcanic origin. Vinification: The grapes were harvested, de-stemmed and crushed. Maceration with the skins lasted for four hours before the grapes were gently pressed. Cool fermentation took place at 14-16°C in order to retain fruit flavours. The wine saw no oak to preserve the grape's varietal character. Tasting Notes: Pale yellow in colour, this Sauvignon is intensely fragrant with ripe varietal characteristics of mango and pineapple. It has good acidity and a fresh long finish. Food Suggestion: Grilled white fish with lentils or a light seafood and bean risotto. Closure: Stelvin  ABV: 13%