I tasted this last week with my friend and importer Jay Murrie, and I can't stop thinking about it. Morella's Mezzogiorno Bianco is as pretty of a white wine as I've tasted all summer. 100% Fiano d'Avellino, a contender for the greatest white variety of Southern Italy, this is just clicking on all cylinders.
Australian-born Lisa Gilbee runs the show at Morella, one of the finest estates in Puglia. She gets a ton of good press for her Primitivo-based reds, and she deserves it, but she deserves equal praise for this white wine. It's really impressive folks, trust me!
2023 Morella Mezzogiorno Bianco Salento -- Why Should You Buy It?
- This is 100% Fiano d'Avellino, and it displays all of the hallmark characteristics of this noble variety. Intense and lovely aromas of white flowers, honeyed citrus, hazelnuts, and strong minerality.
- Lisa Gilbee operates one of the few certified biodynamic estates in Puglia. Her Fiano cuttings came from Campania, and she planted these in 2005. With 20 years of growth, these mature and well-rooted vines give us a wine of power, elegance, and longevity.
- Texturally, this is marvelous. Some describe Fiano's texture as "waxy." That's just another way of saying it's got some good body to it, but there's acidity here to balance that richness.
- Fiano ages quite well. Drink this over the next 10 years with creamy seafood, pork, or chicken dishes.
There's never been a better time to drink Italian whites, and the next time you stop by, ask Peg or Darius to show you some of their favorites. They'll probably lead you to this one, but we've got a "few" other good options too....
