2020 Matthiasson 'Tendu' Cortese

100% Cortese, more often found in the cheerful whites of Piedmont, particularly Gavi! This white originates from the deep clay loam soils of the Lost Slough vineyard, located on the southernmost part of the Clarksburg AVA - a site that benefits from cool breezes and good diurnal temperature variation, meaning the grapes retain excellent freshness.

The grapes were whole cluster pressed and settled overnight. Fermentation was entirely native in neutral oak barrels. The wine was allowed to finish native malolactic fermentation so that the wine could be bottled unfixed and unfiltered. Minimum effective SO2 used prior to bottling.

Fresh and citrusy, but with a pleasant, deceptive oomph to the palate - orange peel, soft spice and stone fruits - fuzzy apricots and peaches with a hint of texture. Like all of Matthiasson’s wines, it overdelivers, and is a delightful expression of this light, zippy Italian grape.