2023 Anselmi - Capitel Foscarino Vino Bianco (750ml)

Roberto Anselmi is one of the defining names in the wines of Soave, based just east of Verona in Monteforte d'Alpone. In 2000, dissatisfied with what he saw as complacency among many Soave producers, Anselmi made the notable decision to leave the Soave DOCG altogether, choosing instead to bottle his wines as Veneto IGT while continuing to source fruit from the region's best hillside vineyards. He was also the first Italian winemaker to use French oak in the fermentation and aging of white wines, and his work has been widely credited with helping raise the overall quality bar across the wider Veneto region.

Capitel Foscarino comes from a ten-hectare, south-facing cru atop the Foscarino hill, roughly 350 meters above sea level, where volcanic, calcareous soils drain quickly after rain. The blend is led by Garganega with a small addition of Chardonnay, picked by hand across two passes to balance acidity and ripeness. After a brief cold maceration and gentle pressing, the wine ferments at controlled temperature before resting six months in steel on its lees, followed by further time in bottle.

The wine shows a bright straw color with golden hints, opening to aromas of honey, dried apple, and apricot, with touches of white pepper and sea salt. The palate is dry, rich, and mineral driven, finishing on a saline note. It pairs well with grilled branzino, marinated white beans, or a triple-cream cheese.