Anselmi Capitel Foscarino 2016

Description

Without a doubt Roberto Anselmi is one of the most important producers of the Soave district in the northeast of Italy’s Veneto region situated on the highest slopes of the hills between Monteforte and Soave (Monforte d’Alpone). His work both in the vineyard and winery has seen him become a modern pioneer of quality Italian wine. In 1999 Roberto chose to declassify his wines from Soave DOC to IGT due to his dissatisfaction with the newly introduced DOCG which he (and a few other quality minded producers) consider is not strict enough on quality.

At a time when producers in Soave were increasing yields & production to sacrifice quality to satisfy a white wine boom, Anselmi went in the opposite direction for that of uncompromising quality. Roberto became more selective in the vineyards, reduced yields and discarding all but the finest fruit to achieve his signature intensity of flavour, fruit and bouquet rarely, if ever, encountered in the wines of Soave. He was also one of a limited number of producers in the Soave classic region to develop ‘cru’ or his flagship single vineyard wines such as the highly acclaimed Capitel Foscarino & Capitel Croce.

Other major initiatives undertaken by Anselmi have included the purchase of hilltop vineyard plots, conversion of vineyard trellising from the customary pergola system to densely-planted horizontal spurred cordons, resulting in major reductions in yields, scrupulous clonal selection, reduction of irrigation to an absolute minimum and the pioneering use of small new and semi-new oak barrels in the vinification process, generating wines of singular structure and complexity.

No doubt his work both in the vineyard and winery has seen him become a modern pioneer of quality Italian wine. His extraordinary wines are the most flavour intensive, ripe expressions of ‘Soave’.

This is a Single Vineyard “Cru’ wine … 90% Garganega and 10% Chardonnay from a steep single vineyard at 350 metres above sea level, minuscule yields (just 18 hectolitres per hectare compared to typical yields for Italian white wine between 50 and 100 hl/ha). This dry, medium-bodied and fruity white displays a complex and medium nose. On the palate, its refreshing acidity and broad texture precede a medium finish.  The 2016 vintage in Soave was an exceptional growing season with long gradual ripening without any adverse heat spikes or rain. This is a classic vintage.

Great depth of ripe fruit in this fine white that is brimming with character… ripe stone fruit, peaches, nectarines, hazelnuts with floral hints. Gorgeous long, persistent finish balanced by mouthwatering acidity. Treat yourself here .. this will also cellar well if you have discipline.

RRP $59

(Also available as a Dozen buy … click here)