Giuseppe Quintarelli Bianco Secco Ca'del Merlo 2023

It is no surprise that this legendary estate, though more renowned for its powerhouse, appassimento-style reds, should also produce a stunning (though rarely seen) white.

A blend of 80% Garganega and a medley of other varieties, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano Toscano and the rare local variety called Saorin that are partially aged in barrel, this is a bottle full of luscious and textural surprises. Powerfully floral and spicy, with lemon and grapefruit zest and orchard blossoms giving way to peach and spiced tangerine, wild fennel, and mint. The palate skews citric and luscious – there's dynamic tension here – driven by Cara Cara orange and tropical melon pocked by fresh vanilla pod and more of that tangy, lactic richness. This is a wine that dances between the fresh and bright and the round and rich with nimble feet.