Garner’s selection: 10 white blends that demonstrate the best of the northeast
1 Cantina Terlano, Rarity, Trentino-Alto Adige 2008 97
£132.50 Astrum Wine Cellars, Field & Fawcett, Harrogate Fine Wines, Sociovino
Bottled after 11 years on its lees, this
85% Pinot Bianco with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc is broad, ripe and waxy, with pear aromas supported by tarragon and oregano, and a hint of mint. There’s real swagger here. Finely textured, with stony, almost savoury fruit flavours and hints of nutmeg and clove. Wonderfully persuasive.
Drink 2022-2035 Alcohol 13.5%
2 Gradis’ciutta, Riserva, Collio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2016 97
N/A UK gradisciutta.eu
A Friulano-Malvasia-Ribolla blend that’s broad and ripe with a clear stony edge, fragrant lemon peel, white pepper, evening primrose and a touch of seasoned oak. Full and juicy with ripe fruit flavours and notes of linen, dried flowers and lightly toasted spice. Lovely balance and definition, with fresh acidity leading to a glorious finish.
Drink 2022-2030 Alc 13.5%
3 Muzic, Stare Brajde, Collio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2019 97
N/A UK cantinamuzic.it
The archetypal Friulano-Malvasia-Ribolla blend, this is broad, fresh and limey with notes of pink grapefruit, aromatic herbs and light floral tones: all in all, tremendous clarity. The palate is gloriously fresh and juicy, with incisive but balanced limey acidity to lift the ripe fruit flavours. Good texture, excellent balance and a lingering finish of aromatic herbs and citrus peel.
Drink 2022-2030 Alc 14%
Nals Margreid, Nama, Trentino-Alto Adige 2016 96
POA Vindependents
A blend of three top vineyards for the three separate varieties: Chardonnay (85%), Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon. Fresh and candied fruit aromas are joined by notes of angelica, iris and cardamom. Rich melon, pear and lime flavours are carefully wrapped up in silky oak and balanced by fantastic acidity. Immaculate length and precision.
Drink 2022-2030 Alc 14%
Roberto Picéch, Jelka, Collio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2016 96
£36 Bat and Bottle
Understated skin contact influence in this Ribolla-Friulano-Malvasia blend is most impressive. It’s broad, ripe and full, with scented floral and citrus notes and a hint of seasoned oak. Ripe, round and juicy with good freshness; gentle fruit flavours mingle with notes of wood, hay and spice. Good acid gives balance and a lingering finish of angelica, yellow peach, clove and white pepper. Drink 2022-2030 Alc 13.5%
4 St Michael Eppan, Appius, Trentino-Alto Adige 2016 96
£126 Drinks & Co
Fermented and aged in wood plus a further three years on its fine lees in stainless steel, this blend of 58% Chardonnay with Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco and 8% Sauvignon Blanc is oaky but full of ripe, floral-toned aromas of honey, preserved lemon and Seville orange curd. It has mouthfilling texture and lashings of candied fruit flavours. A highly convincing study in opulence. Drink 2022-2030 Alc 14%
5 Marco Sara, Monte della Guardia, Colli Orientali, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2019 95
N/A UK marcosara.com
Broad and full with lurking power, this Friulano with 30% Picolit has scented notes of citrus blossom, angelica and yellow peach with hints of seasoned oak and spice. Full, fresh and juicy, with saffron and limeinfused ripe yellow fruit flavours, it’s very accessible with good length and precision, finishing with scented tangerine zest and floral notes. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 14%
Bergkellerei Passeier, Giovo 18, Trentino-Alto Adige 2018 94
N/A UK bergkellerei.it
An unusual vino da tavola mix that works really well: the steely, limey notes of Solaris combine beautifully with the buttery Chardonnay. Broad and oaky with nutty and slatey aromas, ripe, juicy lime flavours and floral notes. Good length, and an expansive aromatic finish. Drink 2022-2027 Alc 13.5%
6 Franz Haas, Manna, Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 94
£32.99 D Byrne & Co, Must & Lees, The Fine Wine Co, Vinvm
A touch of Gewürztraminer (with Riesling, Chardonnay, Kerner and Sauvignon Blanc) is evident on the very ripe, perfumed nose – an exotic fruit cocktail of aromas. A broad palate teems with juicy flavours; good acid and structure give a long, perfumed and juicy finish. Impressive, a kaleidoscope of fruit flavours. Drink 2022-2028 Alc 13%
Jermann, Vinnae, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2020 94
£27.50-£27.95 The Fine Wine Co, The Great
Wine Co, Wine Direct
Clean and floral toned, with the slightest note of oak and a hint of white pepper. A lively palate with great freshness and acidity; lean but shapely with subtle notes of lemon, flowers and white pepper. Lovely balance and length, and a fresh, zingy, salty finish. The other varieties (5% each of Friulano and Riesling) really do lift the Ribolla Gialla. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 12.5% D