Mariolina Baccellieri - Greco di Bianco Passito, 2013
The Baccellieri estate’s history dates back to the 18th century. Today, Mariolina Baccellieri is the first woman to lead the winery and continue a winemaking tradition which in this region (Calabria) has been carried out for millennia.
The Baccellieri family produces citrus fruit, wheat, oil – but they specialise in wine using local (and sometimes nearly-extinct) grape varieties such as Greco Bianco, Guardavalle, Pedelongo, Mantonico Bianco, Nerello Calabrese and Gaglioppo. The Baccellieri believe (and I agree!) that wines produced from these grapes are the best way to tell a story about their unique land.
To produce their Greco di Bianco, the grapes are air-dried under the sun for around 10 days. After a soft pressing and fermentation, the wine is aged for 24 months in stainless steel vats and then in French oak tonneaux for 18 months before release.
In the glass, this wine has a beautiful copper/amber hue. The colour is of medium intensity.
On the nose, it exudes pronounced intensity of flavours. A wide array of aromatic notes alternate including candied citrus, dried apricot, sultana, dried dates and burnt brown sugar. There is a flowery counterpart which is splendid with notes of orange blossoms, jasmine and honeysuckle. Intense dried fruit notes seem to dance with flowery and delicately smoky sensations.
On the palate, this wine is full in body and very intense in flavours. It’s sweet, but not cloying – thanks to a lovely supporting high acidity. The mesmerising aromas perceived on the nose are all there to be enjoyed on the palate too. Candied fruit in the attack, butterscotch and honey in the mid-palate closing harmoniously in a toasty and long aromatic finish. This outstanding dessert wine will perfectly match most Christmas treats. We paired it with a lovely Panettone, and it was a match made in heaven!