la castellada 'bianco della castellada' collio 1999

La Castellada “Bianco della Castellada” Collio 1999

P. Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and perhaps Tocai Friulano and Ribolla are the species that constitute this intriguing wine. Friuli-Venezia Giulia is the north easternmost wine producing area in Italy. Fruili contains the Collio D.O.C.

“La Castellada is located in the hills of Oslavia, just outside Gorizia. Working from a tiny, cramped cellar the outspoken, passionate Niccolo Bensa crafts artisanal wines loaded with personality. The wines, which see partial maceration on the skins, are made in a style that may not appeal to every palate, but readers looking to discover a unique expression of Collio terroir owe it to themselves to check out this winery. The estate favors French oak barrels for aging, with the exception of the Ribolla which is aged in medium-sized casks.” Antoni Galloni, The Wine Advocate, October 2007.

I acquired the bottle in a trade with a friend. He’s from the business so my expectations couldn’t be higher. I've never had or heard of this wine before.

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La Castellada “Bianco della Castellada” Collio 1999

Color: Ancient gold looks Alsacian, unfiltered, hazy but luminous.

Nose: Coco, chalk-mineral, lemon, smoke or wood toast, lees, cinnamon, nutmeg, hazelnuts, pennies, orange peel.

Palate: Touch maderise, soft, nutty, sweet rind, saline, heavy mineral, oceanic, sweet brine. Reminds me of the 1999 Clos de la Coulee de Serrant that Don gave me. Both exhibit the same sweet degeneration but is bare and dry. Pine resin, sap.

Summary: Wow! What an interesting wine. I don't drink much Italian wine but this is impressive. I like the age on the wine. It's nice to run in to some "older" bottles.