~ Historical vintages of Brunello in the Caprili Cellars ~
Back in December 2018, I prognosticated that Vermentino was becoming Tuscany’s next great white wine. Now, almost two years removed from that article, the volume and quality of Vermentino being produced continues to increase. The varietal finds a natural home along the Tuscan coast. Consequently, as producers acquire land in Maremma, Vermentino is typically one of the first grapes they plant.
Wineries like Castello Banfi, Michele Satta, Argentiera, Val delle Rose and many more have concentrated on the variety and the results show.
~ Vineyards on the Caprili Estate in Montalcino ~
Now that we’re in the throes of Summer appealing whites and rosato wines are arriving at my office for tasting. Over the next few weeks, I will reviewing several of these wines and revealing dishes that pair perfectly with them. Today, we’re focusing on a new release from Caprili. In fact, the wine in question has only just left the estate in April so start looking for it now!
The 2018 Caprili Tabernam is a new wine from this producer. The name is derived from the Latin name for Tavernelle, the small village down the road from the vineyard where the wine is produced.
Tabernam is 100 % Vermentino that is fermented and aged in barrique for about 10 months. The wine is then bottled and released to the market sometime during the year following the harvest. However, given the structure and intensity of the 2018, the wine was bottle aged a while longer before release.
In the glass, the wine is a pale straw color and is incredibly aromatic. White peach, pineapple, honey and gardenia mark the attractive nose of the wine. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively. Although it displays a viscous body, it remains crisp and clean. Notes of tropical fruits, nectarines and trace minerals are focused and delicious. Finishes with a hint of white fig. 88 points. While the wine doesn’t yet show up on Wine Searcher, you can order it here. Find this wine.
~ Tabernam is a new Vermentino from Caprili in Montalcino ~
This wine marks an interesting contrast with Caprili’s other Vermentino, Settimia – which is produced with grapes from Caprili’s Maremma property and crafted entirely in stainless steel.
What did we drink with the Tabernam? In addition to the stuffed zucchini blossoms above, we saved 1/2 the bottle and matched it with my Zuppa di Pesce.
~ The ingredients for this recipe change every time I make it depending upon what’s fresh at the fish market. This dish used calamari, scallops a few clams and two nice hunks of Halibut ~
Stay tuned for more Vermentino, Vernaccia and Rosato.
Salute!
Hi John,
This vermentino sounds very nice. I have not tried it yet but on my list. All of the Caprili wines we have tasted we have throughly enjoyed (several Brunello in the cellar). We have purchased and enjoyed the Settimia. In the fall we will contact Giacomo and get a case of both vermentinos.
Maybe you can get it at the winery. ????
I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO GO BY THE FALL. Right now we have tickets for the two weeks after thanksgiving. Been so long since we were there that the winery visits are stacking up. Might have to do at least one visit (maybe 2!!!) per day. Ahhh, good problem to have.
I hear you. I really hope man. If things pan out, I may be there 3 times next year. Maybe we’ll meet up. I’m praying. Salute!