~ The Chapel on the Campochiarenti Estate in San Gimignano ~
Vernaccia may be Tuscany’s greatest white wine and certainly it has earned its DOCG status. Along with Vermentino, the inertia behind producing great Vernaccia has never been stronger. One of the producers leading this quality revolution is Campochiarenti.
It’s been slightly more than one year since I sat with winemaker Daniele Rosti in his garden and first tasted his 2014 Vernaccia. He told me then, “wait until the 2018 is ready”. One of the things I love about this wine is its incredible aging ability and its tendency to evolve as it matures.
~ Vernaccia vineyards bask in the sunshine on the Campochiarenti Estate ~
When young, the wine often displays primary fruit aromas and flavors which is exactly what you would expect. However, as the wine matures, it develops an exciting array of secondary flavors and aromas that are derived from the minerals and fossilized sea shells strewn throughout Campochiarenti’s vineyards. The essence of that evolution is captured here. The 2018 isn’t anywhere near that stage at the moment but I am confident it will get there. Last Summer, Daniele was right.
~ The Piazza della Cisterna in San Gimignano ~
The 2018 Campochiarenti Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a medium golden color. The label bears the Greek phrase Kalos kai Agathos which loosely translates to “Welcoming and Good”. Indeed. On the nose, the wine is marked by wonderful, powerful aromas of nectarine, white peach, white flowers and tropical fruits. On the palate, the wine is viscous and full bodied. It’s got similar consistency as fine olive oil but retains its crisp acidity so that the wine is fresh and lively. Juicy flavors of lemon zest, peach, minerals and fresh herbs are persistent, long and wonderful. Glad I have more and I can’t wait for the 2019. Available in the US this coming October. 92 points. Find this wine.
~ The 2018 is a wonderful version of Vernaccia. Delicious on its own, we paired it with Pasta alla Gricia and oysters ~
Salute!
