2022 Zyme - Veneto Bianco IGT Il Bianco From Black to White (750ml)

Zýmē was founded in 1999 by Celestino Gaspari, who learned the practical side of viticulture in his family's vineyards in the Val d'Illasi before training under the celebrated Valpolicella winemaker Giuseppe Quintarelli, whose son-in-law he eventually became. Gaspari built the winery inside a fifteenth-century sandstone quarry in San Pietro in Cariano and named it Zýmē, the Greek word for yeast, reflecting his belief in fermentation as an ongoing process of transformation. Under his direction, the estate has built a reputation for authenticity and experimentation, often exploring rare or unusual grape varieties alongside Valpolicella's traditional reds.

From Black to White takes its name from an unusual natural phenomenon: Rondinella, normally a red grape, occasionally undergoes a genetic mutation that turns it white, and this Rondinella Bianca forms the backbone of the blend alongside Gold Traminer, Kerner, and Incrocio Manzoni. The grapes come from vineyards in Negrar, Illasi, and Tregnago, where flat valley floor gives way to gentle hills characteristic of Valpolicella's terroir. The wine is organically farmed, fermented in concrete tanks for about twenty days, and then aged on its lees for a minimum of six months, building texture without any oak influence.

The result is a delicate, elegant white with floral and fruity aromas on the nose, closing with subtle notes of vanilla and almond. It shows good density and a silky texture, with bright acidity carrying through a polished, balanced finish. It pairs well with light seafood, fresh cheeses, and delicate first courses.