Why do some wines get your attention and others don’t?
At a large tasting such as Gambero Rosso, it could be a familiar face, the winery itself as you are already acquainted.
When I got to Sergio Mottura spot in the Gambero Rosso line up, both my minds and my taste buds were still fresh as he was only number 10…
What actually caught my eye at first was the porcupine on the label.
Mr. Mottura shared that they are common in the area. No wonder the estate also counts an hotel named La Tana dell’Istrice (The Porcupine’s Lair) where you can experience life in the wine lane.
He had 2 whites with him, both Grechetto which was a ‘new’ grape to me.
In its full (IGT) it goes by Grechetto di Civitella d’Agliano.
According to Wine Geeks description, Grechetto is “a varietal important in the production of Orvieto, a full-bodied white
wine found in central Italy. The Grechetto is a rather hearty varietal,
with aromas of wild flowers and lime, and a finish reminiscint of
bitter almonds. Also used in the Tuscan dessert wine Vin Santo where
the grapes are dried extensively before vinification.”
Greek origins?
We first tasted the Latour a Civitella 2006 (Tre Bicchieri Award) whose fruit is sourced from 5 Grechetto vineyards with Poggio della costa being the primary one.
Second was Poggio Della Costa 2007, from this single vineyard in the commune of Cicitella d’Agliano, facing eastward and on clay soil.
Both wines offer a nice golden hue. Don’t get fooled by the mellow tones, both of these Grechettos have staying power.
Relatively high alcohol at 13.5% to 14%.
Not to be neglected, they are both organic and certified organic in the US.
The estate is on the border of Northern Lazio and Umbria between the hills and the clay canyons of Civitella d’Agliano to the west and the fertile plain of the Tiber Valley to the East.
It is only 100 km. from Rome and 160 km. from Florence.
The estate has been in the Mottura family since 1933.
Our friend at The Italian Wine Blog offers her take on the Latour a civitella.
Green wines for Green Day #68
Related: You say White, Pleasant surprises at Gambero Rosso 09 Tasting, New York
Previously on Green Day: Renewistan, the Hot New Destination? At ‘Greener Gadgets’