2014 Manincor, Bianco, Reserve della Contessa, Alto Adige Italy.
Made from roughly equal parts Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc the 2014 Reserve della Contessa from Manincor is a heavenly white from the Dolomites in the north of Italy, it’s a pale golden nectar that showcases the best qualities and terroir of each varietal to near perfection. This vintage starts with fresh peach, white flowers, hints of baled hay, chalk dust, steely mineral and vibrant citrus, this is wonderfully crafted wine with great detail and vitality as well as silken textures. There is lemon/lime and gooseberry, juicy stone fruits and Burgundy, almost Chablis like wet stones and green apple/pear on the fine palate with touches of earth, quince and honey. Quite impressive for it’s focus and energy, the latest Manincor Contessa can be enjoyed now and certainly with age with it’s mountain acidity and extract, it’s a bit less creamy than the past two vintages, showing a racy side in it’s youth, this is top notch stuff from Manincor, it seems the 2014 wines have reached another level for delicacy and elegance, be sure to look out for this pretty little thing as well as their Schiava especially, and I’m excited to see new the Lagrein offerings along with the single varietal whites, drink the Reserve della Contessa from 2016 to 2026.
($24 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
