Pievalta San Paolo Verdicchio Riserva DOCG

Riserva on the label tells you that this is a serious Verdicchio that has a bit more breadth and complexity than the average. In this instance that little bit extra comes from over two years spent on the lees, which has imparted an enormous amount of flavour to the wine. The result is a honeyed, hazelnut, tropical-fruit flavoured wine with a fine backbone of acidity. This Riserva has fabulous ageing potential but will drink very well now with vegetable-based pasta dishes, fish and poultry.

• Gambero Rosso ‘White Wine of the Year’ award (2019 vintage)
• 93 points, Tom Hyland (2017 vintage), ‘ Medium-full with impressive concentration, there is good acidity, excellent persistence, notable harmony and very good persistence; this from a very warm growing season. There is beautiful structure as well as substantial varietal character. Enjoy now or over the next several years.’
• 18/20 – JancisRobinson.com, ‘Cut lemon and breadcrumb on the nose. Minerally notes. Linear lemon-fruit palate with stunning precision, length and clarity. Vibrant finish. Gorgeous wine that should be on any serious restaurant’s wine list.‘ Walter Speller August 2016 (2013 vintage)

Pievalta lies in the heart of Castelli di Jesi in the Marche region of eastern Italy – a region famous for its quality Verdicchio wines. The estate takes its name (‘Pievalta’) from the small parish church located at the entrance of the property. It was established in 2002 and purchased by the Barone Pizzini estate (in Franciacorta) to develop Verdicchio wines of great quality. The estate covers a total area of 44 hectares of property, and in 2008, Pievalta was first to be biodynamic certified in the Le Marche region. Only natural preparations are worked with and organic and plant compounds to encourage the formation of fertile humus and energise the growth of the plants. The management of Pievalta’s vineyards and winemaking has been assigned to Alessandro Fenino, an oenologist with a number of successful harvests and seasons at Barone Pizzini under his belt. In 2008, Alessandro was joined by Silvia Loschi, his colleague at Barone Pizzini and now his life companion.