 Italy is a treasure trove of unique grape varieties for the adventurous wine drinker, full of regional specialties that are part of the local culture but rarely if ever get exposed beyond that. We found the rare Bellone grape through this winery several years back through their basic bottling. How unknown is it? The total of the entry for Bellone in the usually comprehensive Jancis Robinson's Guide to Wine Grapes is "very juicy ancient grape grown near Rome." Not much to go on, but it's been an under-the-radar success for many vintages now. Anthium take the grape to the next level (arguably the best version of the grape in the market) featuring a single 60 year old vineyard on the family property. Both the regular Bellone and Anthium are vinified the same way, but the extra vine age definitively elevates the quality of the wine. Bright in the glass with some noticeable viscosity, the aromas are full of deep tropical fruits with pops of citrus zest, warming but still refreshing. The palate is next level rich and unctuous with no signs of sweetness, pulpy and mouth-filling with plenty of mineral laden fruit and notes of skin tannin on the lengthy finish. Excellent match with rich seafood and poultry dishes, the extra texture really helps it stand up to almost any level of intensity.
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February 2025
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