I last reviewed Mazzoni Vermentino-Chardonnay from the 2011 vintage. The wine partnership between the Terlato family (prestigious importers) and the venerable Franceschi family of Montalcino produces a number of “co-authored” wines. In the less-than-stellar 2014 vintage, today’s offering still manages to bring out the “gee whiz, how much fun can a white wine be,” element. The bouquet of Vermentino is unique — spicy, windswept and buoyant. It just bursts from the glass and promises a grand time, with or without food.
2014 Mazzoni Vermentino-Chardonnay, Toscana $19 srp
Light straw yellow in color. A vivid nose of spicy pear, grapefruit with steel-like freshness and grassy overtones. Flavors are spanking clean and ebullient with excellent acidity keeping the wine “high-toned.” Twenty-five percent Chardonnay broadens the mouth texture, but the Vermentino brashness conquers all. Juicy and mineral-laden, it comes up a bit short on the finish, but is a natural for shellfish, lemon poultry or rainbow trout. Nicely done! Drink now-2016.
87/100 points
