Under $20 Value Wine Pick – 2008 Corte Gardoni Bianco di Custoza, Veneto, Italy

Winery: Corte Gardoni

Bottling: 2008 Bianco di Custoza (40% Garganega, 20% Trebbiano Toscano, 15% Trebbianello, 25% Various local varieties)

Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant

Region: Italy

Sub-Region: Custoza, Veneto

Estimated Retail Price: $13

Purchase Details: Purchased directly from Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant in Berkeley, California for $12.95 plus tax.

Tasting Notes: In the glass, a very pale straw, yellow hue.  Aromas of banana, white peach.  An immediate acid attack on the palate, followed by flavors of banana, dried pineapple, apple and a slightly bitter lemon rind finish.  This wine has a light body and an underlying creaminess that’s really interesting.

This is a white wine with some surprising substance and complexity that you wouldn’t expect in this price range.

 

Weekly Under $20 Value Wine Pick – 2006 Suavia Soave Classico, Veneto, Italy

Winery: Suavia Azienda Agricola

Bottling: 2006 Soave Classico (Garganega & Trebbiano)

Importer: Vias Imports

Region: Italy

Sub-Region: Soave, Veneto

Estimated Retail Price: $16

Purchase Details & Tasting Source: Purchased from Fujioka’s Wine Times on the island of Oahu

Tasting Notes: This fragrant and delightful Soave is as charming as the four Tessari sisters who who run the family’s estate.

The wine emanated a delightful, light straw color while in the glass.  White flower, as well as stone, mineral and green apple were the aromas the wine gave off.

In the mouth, the wine had an amiable acidity.  The result of 30% of the wine undergoing malolactic fermentation as well as sitting on the lees for four months.  Slightly creamy undertones and citrus flavors on the finish complete the vinous, sensory experience.

Be sure to not pass this wine off as a simple white, Italian aperitif.  The wine is delicate without being lost on you and has an underlying complexity that kind of catches you off guard.