2012 Masseria Li Veli, Verdeca, Valle d’Itria IGT, Italian White.
This rare ancient greek varietal, found in Puglia and recently saved from extinction, Verdeca makes for an intriguing white and Li Veli’s gentile and artisan touch showcases the best of this grape. The grapes about 90% Verdeco and 10% Fiano are harvested in small baskets and kept chilled through there handling and fermentation, and they allowed a fairly long skin contact which brings out aroma and extract, but they didn’t allow mall, so the wine stays firmly acidic and mineraly crisp. This extra care and craftsmanship really pays off in this beautifully detailed and vibrant wine from Italy’s south “The Heel of Italy” Salento region. Li Veli is certainly a label to look for and to watch and this glorious Verdeca is a wine to try with it’s dry and dusty layers and sexy bouquet it is a seductive and radiant wine with fresh and vivid flavors, this wine is part of Li Veli’s Askos (Greek for Wine Jar) series of rediscovered native grapes and traditional methods. The nose is floral with hints of jasmine, lime flower and tropical essence, though steely and subtle leading to a brisk palate of peach, pear and citrus with hints of sea salt and chalk. This stainless raise white is exotic and lively and totally unique.
($20 Est.) 92+ Points, grapelive
