I’ll be the first to admit I’m not exactly sure what this is. There are several similar bottlings on CellarTracker and sorting them out is confusing. My best guess is this is what CT calls “Cantine Colli di Catone Malvasia Bianca Lazio Colle Gaio”, but not “The Old White”. Regardless, this is a nearly 20 yr old Italian white wine that is just fantastic. Here’s my TN:
Just fantastic. Showing a bit of gold, but by no means dark. The nose is wonderfully aromatic and complex; both fresh and dried apricots, honey, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, beeswax, oyster shell, a touch of nutty oxidation. It almost smells like a Sauternes. The aromas alone lead you to expect sweetness, however…
it’s bone dry, medium to high acid, medium body, and super lively in the mouth. There are rich flavors of apricots and honey without any of the sweetness along with candied lemons, melons, white flowers, and crushed rocks. Can a wine taste like a Cote de Beaune white Burgundy mixed with a Sauternes, but without any sweetness? Apparently, yes. The finish is long and complex.
This is just killer stuff and perfect for fans of aged white wines. This is not going to be everyone’s favorite wine, and it has high nerd appeal, but I think it also can be enjoyed by the enthusiast and casual drinker alike. Perfect paired with spaghetti with sardines, preserved lemon, and caramelized onions. More please.
