San Marzano 'Edda Lei Bianco', Salento 2019

A very distinctive and complex wine with intriguing aromas of orange blossom and rosemary complemented by rich guava and peach with overlaying freshness. Packs a punch of flavour.

Producer Note
In 1962, 19 vine growers from San Marzano whose families had farmed the land for generations, combined their efforts to establish 'Cantine San Marzano'. Through the decades this cooperative has grown significantly, attracting over 1,200 vine growers. Using modern and technologically advanced vinification techniques they produce elegant wines that pay homage to the ancient Apulian wine traditions. The fusion of time honoured tradition, passion and contemporary techniques, enables this winery to produce wines with distinctive varietal and regional characteristics while reflecting the local terroir. In the Sommelier Wine Awards, San Marzano was awarded European Producer of the Year 2017.

Vintage
The 2019 vintage experienced a rainy winter which helped to restore soil water reserves. A mild spring followed with little rain through to a very hot, dry and windy summer, which reduced disease pressure in the vineyard. Good diurnal temperature differences encouraged regular ripening of the grapes, with good total acidity and healthy, ripe fruit.

Vineyard
The vineyard is located at approximately 100 metres above sea level and benefits from great diurnal temperature variations. The warmer temperatures during the day and cooler nights encourage the grapes to have a long maturation period, with the heat of the day promoting sugar accumulation, while the cooler nights preserve the acidity levels. The vines are planted to a density of 4,500 vines per hectare and are trained according to the Guyot method. The soils are quite thin, soft and shallow, but have a good texture.

Winemaking
The grapes were gently destemmed and then cool macerated for several hours to allow the flavour to develop. This was followed by a gentle pressing and a cold settling to encourage a natural sedimentation. Fermentation took place in French oak barrels. The wine was matured on its fine lees in barriques for a period of four months, with weekly lees stirring which imparted texture and complexity to the wine.

Tasting Note
A distinctive blend delivering aromas of sun-ripened peach and mellow floral aromatics, which are interwoven with delicate hints of vanilla. Fresh and beautifully balanced, the rounded palate is elegantly styled and has a touch of minerality on the finish.

Grape
Chardonnay 60%, Fiano 20%, Moscatello Selvatico 20%