2015 Azienda Santa Barbara, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Marche, Italy.
This stainless steel fermented and aged crisp light Verdicchio is a pure and bright white that without any bells or whistles really pleases and is a refreshing comfort wine for summer time and seafood or picnics. This Verdicchio is rises above the mediocre and highlights it’s Marche terroir, grown on sandy tuff, white chalky dust, this vibrant white gives plenty of classic zingy citrus and unripe apple along with green almond, mineral spice and lime flower. This 2015 is vivid with good ripeness avoiding the harsh bitter elements that can be found in this grape and giving a certain roundness on the palate without taking away from the pop of acidity and hint of spritz. This particular cuvee is an exclusive for importer Kermit Lynch and has it’s own label for the American market made from 30 year old vines in the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi zone, and is a remarkable value, Azienda Santa Barbara really nailed this one and it shines with fine detail and quality in an understated package. This zesty little white gets even better with clams and or oysters, either alone or with pasta and like Gruner Veltliner is very pleasant with mixed greens and or cheeses. This is well worth the price and is easy to quaff, it will leave you dreaming of the Adriatic and the ancient hill top towns along Italy’s north eastern coast, brilliant and simple stuff, drink now.
($13 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
