Cesconi Pinot Grigio 2021
The four Cesconi brothers have transformed their family estate in the village of Pressano into one of the region’s most admired wineries and are making some of Italy’s most exciting white wines. Stylistically, their white wines are more intense and perfumed than most from Friuli, but without the weight that some of the top Friuli wines have. The Pinot Grigio vineyards are found on the gently-sloping hills of Pressano at approximately 400 metres above sea level and face south-west. At the winery the grapes were macerated on the skins for 12 hours after picking before pressing. The must was divided, with 60% going into stainless-steel vats and 40% into 3000 litre old oak casks. These different batches were then fermented and the wine was subsequently aged in oak for nine months on fine lees. The use of large casks, combined with prolonged contact with the lees, added complexity to the wine while still preserving its original varietal aromatic qualities. Deep straw yellow in colour, this wine opens with intense notes of pear, brioche, white peach and zesty citrus. The palate is round and rich, with complex layers of fruit and savoury characters that carry through onto the long, mineral finish.
