With Sancerre stocks dwindling and prices higher than ever, I've been looking elsewhere for world-class Sauvignon Blanc. I found it in the Via Alpina Sauvignon Blanc, an absolute stunner from Friuli!
Via Alpina is the "side hustle" of famed Friulian vigneron Giampaolo Venica, of Venica & Venica fame. He is sourcing and buying fruit from the best young growers of the region. His 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is a huge success.
2022 Via Alpina Sauvignon Blanc
ORDER NOW in our online store.
It's time to talk about Friulian Sauvignon Blanc for two reasons. First off, those "in the know" know that this region in NE Italy has long produced world-class Sauvignon Blancs. With cooling Alpine breezes meeting sunny Adriatic warmth, Friulian Sauvignon Blancs are ripe and exotic yet fresh and zesty all at once.
In addition, the region's ponca soils, a mixture of chalk, clay, and sandstone, give us the rocky soils that are ideal for the grape. It is these soils, much like those found in Sancerre, that permeate this wine with its wonderful minerality.
Via Alpina is a wine of delightful contrasts. There's great concentration and body, but there's also zesty acidity. The fruit profile is very Sancerre-like to me -- more pear, green apple, and tangerine than grapefruit, passion fruit, and lime. Add in a nice little sprinkling of mineral, and it all adds up to a wonderful vinous experience.
For Sauvignon Blanc lovers, this is a no-brainer. Buy some! I guarantee you won't regret it.
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville