10 October 2013

2010 CANTINA TERLANO PINOT BIANCO RISERVA 'VORBERG' - YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT!

Pinot Bianco aka Pinot Blanc is a variety that is rarely associated with excitement.  Clean and fresh – yes. Chardonnay-like – perhaps. Exciting – rarely. One exception to the rule is the quite brilliant Pinot Bianco Riserva ‘Vorberg’ from northern Italian co-operative Cantina Terlano.

The 2010 rendition of this highly acclaimed wine possesses a greenish yellow colour. The nose is immediately inviting. This is clearly a serious wine, and a highly complex one at that. White peach, pear, lemon/lime zest, freshly chopped herb and minerals ooze out of the glass. In the mouth, the wine is textured, palate caressing and remarkably intense in flavour, yet balanced by finely poised citrusy acidity, a reflection of its alpine origin.

Cantina Terlano’s Pinot Bianco Riserva ‘Vorberg’ is a standard bearer for Italian white wine, and very strong evidence to support the argument that Italy is the source of the worlds finest white wines. Certainly, no other country can boast Italy’s diversity. At just under $60 per bottle, it doesn’t come cheap, but for a wine of such quality, it represents excellent value when compared to the likes of white Burgundy and Alsace.

2010 PINOT BIANCO RISERVA ‘VORBERG’
Producer: Cantina Terlano
Variety: Pinot Blanc
Vintage: 2010
Region: Alto Adige, Italy
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $58.00
Date tasted: 6 October 2013

Tasting Note:
Greenish yellow. Inviting aromatic nose of pear, white peach, lemon zest and fresh herbs. Dry, medium bodied crystalline purity, excellent depth of flavour, lovely palate weight underscored by a fine line of acidity, perfectly composed and balanced. Drinking superbly now. More evidence of the qualities of premium Italian white wine.
Score: 18/20

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