In this episode of TF Together‘s now-regular Wednesday evening wine tastings, educator Filippo Bartolotta reviews the main varietal wines that lead the white wine market.
The wines on Filippo’s desk, discussed in this video, are:
- Colombaio di Santa Chiara, Vernaccia di San Gimignano (Tuscany)
- Cantina La Vis, Sauvignon Blanc (Trentino)
- Monteverro, Chardonnay (Tuscany)
- Alois Lageder, Porer Pinot Grigio (Alto Adige)
- Florio Aegusa 2001 DOC Marsala
Filippo spoke about how the white wine market is led by varietal wines, a trend that was led by Australia’s efforts in the early 2000s. This makes it easy for drinkers to know what to expect when they choose a wine, be it – to use the examples of the most popular in the world – Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. We reviewed the principle characteristics of these grapes, as well as of Riesling and Pinot Grigio, but also spoke about Italy’s indigenous grapes (some say there are as many as 600) like Grillo, which are making a comeback now that a more sophisticated market is demanding something different.
Joining us was French-born winemaker Matthiew Taunay from Monteverro, a young winery on the Tuscan coast near Capalbio. While they make mostly red, Bordeaux-style wines, they make 6000 or 7000 bottles of Chardonnay, which Filippo tasted during this session. Read this article about Monteverro on The Florentine.
As we only had time to speak about wines from Tuscany northwards, we decided that the next meeting will be white grapes part II, Lazio and South Italy.
