2009 Pietratorcia Ischia Bianco

Campania, Italy

Pietratorcia Ischia Bianco Superiore is a delightful white wine gem discovery from the island of Ischia, just off the coast near Naples. The winery takes its name from the ancient winemaking tool called a pietratorcia—a heavy stone of green rock used for crushing the grapes. The Pietratorcia vineyards lie just 50 meters from the azure waters of the Mediterranean, and 400 meters directly above the sea, providing a unique micro-climate that is both temperate and windy. This alluring white is a blend of 45% Biancolella, 45% Forastera, 5% Uva Rilla and 5% San Leonardo—all 4 grapes making their debut at Wine Gems! The wine undergoes a cold soak before fermentation, remains on the lees for 3 months and then spends 4 months in bottle. Its aromatics develop with more time in bottle.

Pietratorcia Ischia Bianco has a light golden color with a nose of citrus, green apples, stone fruit and acacia. It is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, good structure and rich flavors of apples, nectarines and almonds. The wine is well balanced to enjoy now and over the next 3-5 years. It is clean and refreshing on the palate, and leaves a long, pleasing finish.

Enjoy Pietratorcia Ischia Bianco with grilled shrimp, filet of sole, roast chicken, risotto, pasta and mild cheeses.