Sella & Mosca - Terre Bianche Cuvee 161, 2018
In 1899, a couple of gentlemen from Piemonte visited the Alghero area which is in the north-west part of Sardinia. Mr. Sella (an engineer) and Mr. Mosca (a lawyer) recognised the beauty of that pristine land. At that time, the phylloxera pest was causing havoc throughout Europe and destroying large hectares of vineyard. The two men recognised a business opportunity. Taking advantage of the secluded position of Sardinia as an island, they founded Sella & Mosca as a nursery to provide healthy rootstock for the replanting of new vines.
Sella and Mosca created one of the biggest vineyard areas in Europe, growing and cataloguing over 1600 grape varieties and 300 rootstock. Over time, and despite changes of ownership, Sella & Mosca kept growing grapes.
Currently, the estate extends for 550 hectares. The vineyard area is so big that the company built an entire village around the winery, with houses for the workers and their families, a church and a primary school.
In spite of its gargantuan dimension, Sella & Mosca still focuses on quality wine. Their labels include both international and local grape varieties. Torbato, this wine’s grape, is one of Sella & Mosca’s highlights. They produce a range of wines from this varietal, and this Terre Bianche Cuvee 161 is their best expression of torbato. The name “Terre Bianche” (White Lands) is an indication of the calcareous and chalky soil (of maritime origin) where the vines are grown.
Rich lemon hue in the glass, on the nose this white expresses an intense fruitiness, with aromas ranging across ripe quince, juicy lemon and nectarine. Hints of green olive, sage and tarragon come through along with a subtle salinity reminiscent of seaweed.
On the palate, the wine has a full body and a tremendous structure, thanks to 6 months of lees contact and 15% of barrel maturation. The acidity is ideal too – conferring a great freshness. The lovely fruitiness mingles with honeyed notes of yellow flowers and Mediterranean shrubs. A flinty minerality is supported by echoes oyster shell. This wine would be the perfect match for flavoursome dishes coming from the sea.