Malvasia Bianca may be one of the workhorses of the Italian white grape spectrum, but like Trebbiano and Vermentino, when yields are controlled and handling is done with care, it can produce some beautifully perfumed and balanced wines that can be likened to the style of the whites of the Rhone Valley. Here, Leone de Castris has selected fruit from the Donna Lisa plot, cold macerated and clarified before a fermentation in stainless steel. Maturation on lees with occasional batonnage occured over six months before bottling and further rest in glass.

A sparkling light gold in hue, this has fruity aromas of banana, honeydew, yellow peach and touches of spice. Ripe fruit fills the palate, which is well-integrated with both freshness and tension. A slight phenolic bitterness guides the finish across slight nuttiness and a lick of citrus.

2021

93 points, Luca Maroni

4 stars, Vinibuoni d’Italia 2024

92 points, Vinoway Selection 2024