2020 “CaSal di Serra” - Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore - Umani Ronchi

Lemon pith, fresh parsley, tart yellow apple. Peach pit, wild dandelion, Asian pear skin. An admirably concentrated yet beautifully elegant procession of orange rind, pineapple core, and grapefruit zest lead a delightfully complex and pithy fruit profile layered with captivatingly bitter herbal notes of basil leaf, caraway seed, and oregano. Notes of almond skin and Brazil nut swiftly materialize to contribute deliciously nutty phenolic charms balanced against dainty floral tones of sunflower and citrus blossom. Hints of stony minerality, mild salinity, and sun-scorched soil gently impart bits of understated earthiness that pleasantly contributes to the bright and tremendously savory display. Gorgeously crisp and classic on the palate while possessing excellent ripeness, mouthfeel, and palate-weight; exhibiting a wonderfully complex and expressive presentation that is delicately powerful and packed with impressive depth of non-fruit flavors. Medium-plus bodied and lightly textured while backed by refreshing acidity. This 2020 "CaSal di Serra" Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore by Umani Ronchi is a serious and food friendly white from Italy.

Native to the Marche region located along the eastern coast of Central Italy, Verdicchio is a historic and highly celebrated indigenous variety that has become legendary for the bright and characterful wines it produces. This bottling, crafted by Umani Ronchi using the Verdicchio grape sourced from the lauded Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC, is an outstanding example of the combination of complexity and freshness that this unique variety can facilitate. This wine playfully spills a range of tart and crunchy yellow fruits that remain concentrated despite their vibrancy, and it presents gorgeous herbal, nutty, and earthy flavors to offset the ripe fruit with tons of savory charm. Though drinking nicely today there is absolutely no rush to pop the cork here, as this will likely hold up well to moderate-term cellaring. Excellent.