Shredded pineapple, hibiscus, fresh lychee. Guava nectar, raw almond, orange concentrate. Heavy summer rain and wet rock, dusted cardamom and fruit danish. Completely saturated with sticky sweetness ranging from passionfruit to peach, with a side of raw coconut, ripe kiwi, and wild honey. Bright tropical flowers provide intense pops of color in a dense and humid rainforest canopy. This 2017 Marshall Vineyard Malvasia Bianca by Bolshoi Family Wines is lush and gluggable.

Malvasia Bianca is an ancient and unique light skinned grape varietal native to Mediterranean Europe. It primarily grows in Southern Italy and surrounding areas but is most famously used in the production of the oxidized fortified wines of Madiera. Dry wines made from this grape are known for being full bodied with low acidity and typically incorporate just a bit of residual sugar. This bottling, crafted by Bolshoi Family Wines, is a compelling example of what this grape can do in the right hands. Sourced from the Marshall Vineyard located just south of the Sierra Foothills Appellation in California this stuff is practically a sunrise daiquiri in a glass - without the massive sugar rush. It is succulent and deliciously fruit forward while still leaving room for some secondary savory tones to peek into frame. This is probably still considered a dry wine but there is definitely a touch of residual sugar present here, although it stays far away from anything that could be considered cloying. If you're on the search for a tremendously fun and lively white wine then consider giving some of this stuff a try.