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Jessica Luongo

Jessica Luongo

Sirmian

Nals Margreid Sirmian Pinot Bianco 2012

Südtirol Alto Adige, Italy
3528 days ago

Jessica scored this wine: 93/100

"Italy's Best White Wine" by Gambero Rosso (2014), arguably the most prestigious wine awards festival in Italy, taking place in Verona annually for nearly half a century. This Pinot Bianco is a complete anomily of its varietals typacity, described as 'neutral' by most Somms and 'meh' by most consumers. Nals Margreid in Alto Adige (Suditrol DOC) borders the Alps and is situated on a unique patch of land that is enriched with a variety of minerals deposited from moving glaciers many years ago. The 'Sirmian' Pinot Bianco is named after the Sirmian vineyard from which the Pinot grapes are grown. Southern aspect, 600m asl Morraine soil, rich in barren loamy limestone, gneiss, marble, porphyry, mica and chalk. Fermented in stainless steel, aged for 6 months in older, large oak barrels. This Pinot Bianco is clear, bright lemon in colour, with lifted aromas of citrus, green apples, riper stone fruit, vanilla, minerals, and mint. Full-bodied with high acidity and bold flavours of apples, pears, peach, apricot, wet rock, minerals, mint, and lemon zest. It has a creamy texture, a nice tight structure and a distinct flinty character. Everlasting finish, mouth wateringly juicy with white fruit, citrus and zest. Flat out outstanding!

3634 days ago

Jessica reviewed this wine:

2005 ISKRA portrays a stunning NEW label of a moment caught in suspense, as illustrated by the young girl in awe of the spark ('iskra') in front of her. Perfectly describing the contemplative nature of this well harmonized offering. Plush black cherries, currant and plums with spicy licorice aromas, matching the palate with integrated cocoa, eucalyptus and raw meaty leather. 45 year old vines, Farmed Organically, Aged 18 months in old French Oak and 5 years in bottle before release

3661 days ago

Jessica reviewed this wine:

Dry, full-bodied with crunchy green fruit and virbant minerality. Supberb for sipping or with appies. Great value!

Jessica Luongo

Memorable Wine

I had a Masciarelli Montepulciano moment while living in Italy and thought, 'This is what I want to do for the rest of my life' The only thing cheesier was the block of Parmigiano Regiano between my glass and the setting sun

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First Wine

Probably something Larry gave me as a baby

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Current Fav Wine

Nals Margreid Sirmian Pinot Bianco DOC Alto Adige 2012

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Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award