Fontezoppa Verdicchio di Matelica

                                     DOMBEK photo © 2012

Canale di Cantine Fontezzoppa

Verdicchio di Matelica 2011

Civitanova Marche, Italy

100% Verdicchio

Light chiffon yellow in color with faint citrus, golden apple notes and subtle saline on the nose, this refreshing white wine is clean and zesty, with a hint of lemon creme.  Slightly floral with traces of jasmine, ever so subtle juniper & herbs, essence of tropical fruit, and even a little unctuous honey when first chill wears off, this has great balance and acidity, a fair amount of structure and nice long finish.  So quaffable, it shines in simplicity yet with such sophisticated taste.  Loved it!  Great with sushi, shellfish or light pasta dishes, or try with grilled fresh wild salmon and asparagus spears.  Delectable! 

$13/btl at Browne Trading Co.

Fontezoppa Vineyards are located in Civitanova between the towns of Serrapetrona and San Severino in the Marche region on the east coast of Italy, close to the Adriatic Sea.  This area is considered to be one of the best spots in the Marche to grow grapes, being both warmer in the day and cooler at night.  Owner/winemaker Giovanni Basso has 20 years experience as a grower and produces wines of traditional character with great respect to terroir and "Burgundian levels of quality control (double sorting tables anyone)?"  This truly comes through in the wine. 

Take a look at this video.  You will get a sense of terroir/natural environment and soul of the region and vineyard ... even if you don’t understand Italian!

http://www.youtube.com/user/cantinefontezoppa

This wine comes to us from Easterly Wine, Belfast, ME.  Importer is Ideal Wine, Medford, MA.  Also available at Whole Foods, Rosemont Markets and Pai Men Miyake Restaurant, Portland.