'L'Estro' Casa Caterina 2013

Casa Caterina's "L'Estro" is one of the few still whites bottled by Aurelio Del Bono, a surgical fusion of caressing tactility and saline length. The giant of Franciacorta strikes again, with what is a veritable gem in a limited edition, and capable in blind tastings of swaying colleagues from beyond the Alps who are much better known and more emblazoned. The histrionic producer from Monticelli Brusati tries his hand almost entirely with French grapes,  managing to characterise them in a personal way, by virtue of long ageing and extremely limited yields but losing nothing in finesse and definition. From bubblly ones to the rare still expressions, each bottle of Casa Caterina is a small pearl, capable of defying time in a virtuous manner, and remaining indelibly imprinted in the minds of those who taste it. Without exaggeration, experiential liquids.

The white wine "L'Estro" by Casa Caterina is made from a blend of white grapes from vineyards near the winery, on alluvial deposits of clay, limestone, silt and sand. In the vineyard, work is carried out sparingly and only when necessary, while in the cellar the alcoholic fermentation takes place spontaneously for 30 days in barriques and the liquid is aged for 24 months in French barriques.

"L'Estro" Casa Caterina presents itself in the goblet in a shiny, bewitching golden guise. The nose is undoubtedly impactful and devoted to olfactory richness, where clear hints of saffron, dried orange, white pepper, honey and toasted fruit stand out, for a fascinating profile that shuttles between Italy, France and the East. Filling and caressing on the palate, enlivened by a satisfying contribution of salt and freshness and long persistence. Overpowering.