We love this value-priced Italian white (many of you all do too), and we're so glad it's back! Famoso is the grape, it's native to Emilia-Romagna, and it's quite rare. Highly aromatic on the nose and fresh and zesty on the palate, it has so much to like, and it comes to you at a great price.
Think Viognier meets Sauvignon Blanc, but this unique grape is kind of its own thing. For less than $13, I can say with certainty that there aren't many white wines that offer this much interest and appeal at such a great price.
2023 Poderi Dal Nespoli Famoso
Crisp and highly aromatic -- great Sauvignon Blanc alternative!
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing white wine, look no further. The fine folks at Poderi dal Nespoli, one of the oldest estates in Emilia-Romagna, saved the Famoso grape from going extinct 25 years ago. We are so glad they did!
The grape is incredibly rare and you won’t find it outside of the region. Also known as Uva Rambela, the grape had all-but-disappeared until the Nespoli family discovered one of the last known plots of it in 1996. They put it back "into circulation," and nowadays, the grape is growing in popularity, both at home and abroad.
That comes as no surprise to us, as it combines assertive and pretty aromas with a dry and vivacious palate. When you stick your nose in the glass, you'll be greeted by notes of honeysuckle, jasmine, apricot, peach, and citrus. Kind of sounds like Viognier right? Trust us, while it kind of smells like Viognier, it hits the palate with a racy and bright texture, almost like Sauvignon Blanc.
This is one of those wines that really sings when paired with spicy Thai or Indian dishes. It’s equally at home with fish and seafood dishes, but it’s also great by itself. Our advice — don’t buy just 1 bottle.
You’re gonna’ love it. Cheers and keep drinking the good stuff in the AVL!
