I hate to pat myself on the back, but we are really on a winning streak with these white varietals! I’ve previously mentioned that I don’t do research on the varietals prior to the official tasting, and since I’m in the 52 Weeks of Wine Training Program alongside my trainees, I’m learning along the way. So, these past few white wine varietals have been really great and refreshing summer wines! Verdicchio was no exception!
Verdicchio is an Italian grape varietal that is often used as a base for sparkling wines. Interestingly, a DNA test was recently conducted for Verdicchio and it was an identical match to Trebbiano di Soave.
This Verdicchio has very consistent with the traditional traits of the varietal. The color was a beautiful gold and was light in body. The aroma was of high citrus with a subtle hint of white flowers. As I’ve become attuned to minerality, I could actually smell the salinity and minerality in this wine. The most prominent traits of the taste was that of acidity. Next was a balanced floral taste, minerality, and citrus (specifically grapefruit). Overall, the wine had a subtle sweetness in flavor and aromas with the floral notes. This Verdicchio has the citrus and tang of a Sauvignon Blanc but was much lighter with the floral traits. If you are on the fence regarding minerality or it’s a trait that you would like to explore, this would be an excellent introductory wine to minerality. The minerality is present but well balanced.
I gave this Verdicchio a 5 out of 5 cork rating. This 2016 Sartarelli Verdicchio Castelli Di Jesi Classico Tralivio retails for about $15 to $19.