Terenzuola Vermentino Neru | 2022

In 2007 Ivan Giuliani with his friend and fellow vigneron Marco Nicolini, renovated the cellars at Terenzuola, which today includes vineyards in far northwestern Tuscany and Liguria’s ancient Cinque Terre. Since 2020, the estate has been certified organic and produces minerally decadent whites and rare reds.

Just east of Liguria’s portside city of La Speiza, crossing into northern Tuscany, is the village of Fosdinovo. Here, greyish clays soils about 150 meters above sea level are home to the exotic grape Vermentino Nero. The grape’s exact origins are unknown with some claiming that it is a color mutation of white Vermentino grape while others believing that it has Spanish roots. Since the 1950s, plantings have grown from practically nothing to over 200 hectares. Made with semi-carbonic fermentation in concrete vats and aged on the lees for eight months, the nose is an aromatic delight with red and black fruits, violets, dark potting soil, and forest-y spice. More juicy than austere, it’s a step above medium-bodied, and its intrigue will make you reach for another glass. Pair with simple foods like roast chicken, grilled sausage and vegetables, or that smashburger you've been dreaming of. ~Allegra A