Just in case it's bothering the multitude of people who
read this blog (aka: my parents), I am well aware that it seems like I rarely
ever touch red wine. The reason I tend to favor whites is mainly due to the
fact that I live in San Antonio, Texas where it’s hot as hell for at least eight months out of the year. I
really do love red wines, but after moving back home four years ago I started
leaning more towards whites simply because it was too damn hot for me to enjoy the
bold, spicy reds I typically bought. Once it gets cooler the color in my glass
will change and I will regale you with many tales of red wine, but for tonight
I’m sticking with white: Birichino Malvasia Bianca 2012.
The Birichino winery was founded by Alex Krause and John Locke
in 2008, but only showed up on my radar about six months ago when Kye (the Quarry
Whole Foods wine specialist) took an interest in them. His passion for wine has led
him to develop a knack for tracking down little-known and rather unique wines
from all over the world. He wound up bringing in several of Birichino’s wines (Malvasia,
Vin Gris, Pinot Noir, Grenache and Muscat Canelli to be exact) and not a single
one disappointed.
The lovely white wine I’m discussing tonight is from Monterey in California. It is 100%
Malvasia Bianca (a varietal of ancient origin, most likely Greek) and aged for
five months in stainless steel. A beautiful pale gold color with greenish
tinges displaying aromas of tangerine, wet limestone and floral notes on the
nose. The palate is light-bodied and racy with flavors of lemon peel, lime zest
and white nectarine followed by hints of jasmine, fresh ginger and bright
minerality. Crisp acidity cuts through the floral and fruit to deliver a clean
finish. Really enjoyable for this summer weather we’re still having in San
Antonio... in the middle of October.
The Birichino Malvasia Bianca is a truly lovely, complex
wine and a rather hard to find varietal (in Texas at least). I've no doubt that
will be enjoyable even after the weather decides to cool down. In case I've managed
to peak your interest I would suggest hightailing it to either of the Whole
Foods Markets in San Antonio.
… Except of course for puppies, puppies are better than
everything ever.
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