Wine Review - 2010 Poggio Alloro Vernaccia di San Gimignano

This Tuscan white from Poggio Alloro is an interest little wine.  Surprising would be an accurate adjective.  It smells very familiar but tastes quite unique.  The nose is quite reminiscent of Chardonnay with apple and peach notes but definitely some oaky characteristics.  If you were tasting this blind we are sure that the nose would trip you up. 

The colour is definitely a reflection of some time spent in oak as there is a little golden hue to it.  It looks again like...you guessed it...Chardonnay.  Where the rubber hits the road so to speak in on the taste.  This smells good but tastes great.  The weight is much heavier than you would expect from a white wine. 

Not being a huge Vernaccia drinker we are not sure what exactly the varietal covers in terms of flavour profile but this example is great.  Not too heavy but a heavier white with some aspects of more familiar varietals.  Again, this is a good Winter white.  The boldness stands up to the cold weather these days.  We really should seek out more of this grape.

Overall it is a great value at just over $16 Cdn.  Lots of flavour and body with good structure and dare we say it, a little flair.  Delish!

	Tasting Notes:	Score:
Sight (0-5)	Clear white wine, with golden tones that point to time in oak along with the fact that there is good body in this wine.	4.0
Smell (0-5)	Crisp nose with hints of apple and lemon creme brulee. A very solid nose.	4.0
Taste (0-10)	Fuller bodied white wine with flavours of honey and apple. Some crispness to the wine but not a light wine at all.	8.0
	Total:	16.0 / 20  (80.0)

If you have never tried Vernaccia, we are recommending a search. This wine has a lot going for it. Aussie Chard tendencies and weight, yet Sauv Blanc drinkability. Very interesting indeed.

Keep on drinking!

Chris & Shannon