Olivastri Tommaso - L'Ariosa Pecorino, Abruzzo, Italy (2021)

TASTING NOTES

Intense, bright, straw-yellow colour, with tropical aromas and flavours of white-pulp fruits and warm citrus with floral notes of dried herbs and lemon zest.  Dry, medium-bodied, with fresh, balanced acidity, a touch of minerality, and a persistent finish.

The L’Ariosa Estate vineyards (means “the windy estate”, referring to the constant breezes off the Adriatic) lie 15 metres a.s.l., and only a short distance from the Adriatic. The predominantly calcareous sandy soils were once covered by ancient seas (small marine fossils can be found in the soil), are well-draining and contribute distinctive mineral notes. The constant gentle sea breezes mitigate the warm sea sun, allowing a full maturation and natural expression and development of the white grapes. 

Made from 100% Pecorino grapes, hand-harvested from low-yield vineyards. Traditional white wine vinification - following crushing and destemming, the grapes are kept chilled for 24 hours at 4 celsius to preserve fresh aromatics. A soft pressing follows, and fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks. The wine is aged in stainless-steel tanks for two months, and rests in bottle for two more months before release.