This Rhine Riesling (l'Alman in the local dialect) is a stylish offering and is packed with all the glorious Riesling fruit that brings the palate to life. A wine that was made from youngish vines - around 15 years - grown in the clay and calcareous marl of the Alta Langhe. This gives a mineral edge to the wine and the altitude of the vineyards - around 500 meters - ensures the acidity remains fresh and crisp. The end result is a wine that has bright aromas of green apples with some notes of petrol developing even at this young age. It's wonderfully refreshing and will partner well with a wide variety of dishes especially freshwater fish such as trout or salmon.
- Country: Italy
- Region: Langhe Hills
- Vintage: 2017
- Colour: White
- Grape Variety: Riesling
- ABV: 14%
- Bottle Size: 75cl
- Closure: Natural cork
- Style: Racy and aromatic
- Drink With: Baked trout
About the grower
Anna Maria Abbona is a superb estate based in the hills close to the town of Dogliani. Anna Maria herself is a delightful lady whose charm and passion is very much reflected in her wines.
The estate dates back to 1936 when her grandfather, Angelo, established their first vineyard called Maioli where to this day, the Dolcetto vines flourish and the original vines still make up a sensational Dolcetto. Alas, in those days, no wine was produced on the estate but rather the grpes were grown to be sent to the local cooperative where they were vinified. It wasn't until 1989 when threatened with grubbing up the family vineyards, Anna Maria and her husband started making wines themselves.
The wines as you would expect are based on the Dolcetto grape for which the area has been awarded DOCG status however within the portfolio all of the other major Langhe grapes are represented. But it was the Dolcetto that first caught my eye when visiting Cheese - the Slow Food Fair that happens every two years in Bra - where it was served to me by Beppino Occelli who was there promoting his cheeses and helping them get washed down with her Sori dij But Dolcetto. A great experience.