Casa Vinicola Roxan (Italy) Acanto Bianco IGT Colline Pescaresi 2002
Creeping above our 10 limit, but a fascinating wine from the Colline Pescaresi in Abruzzo, on Italy’s Adriatic coast. This is a blend of Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, Pecorino and Chardonnay, aged in tank and small oak barrels. It has a fantastic nose, filled with white flowers, pear skins and minerals. There is huge extraction here, and obvious skin contact character, giving huge intensity and powerful aromatics, with only the merest hint of softening oak. On the palate it is equally authoratitive, with masses of crunchy pear and apple fruit, melon and ripeness allied to that firm, grippy minerality and a hint of tannin. Acidity is precise and mineral, and the support of spice and very gentle toastiness adds breadth into the finish. A very powerful wine and a real mouthful, but packed with interest. £10.95
