Tenuta di Castellaro Bianco Porticello 2020

Drink now through to 2026. Serve chilled.

The Aeolian island of Lipari off the north coast of Sicily is blessed with rich volcanic soils and a balmy Mediterranean climate that makes it the ideal spot to make exceptional wines. Entrepreneur Massimo Lentsch fell in love with the island while on holiday here and soon returned to found his own winery in 2013. In total the estate now has 20 acres of land spread in isolated spots across the island which are planted with indigenous varieties like Malvasia delle Lipari and Nero d’Avola.

This elegant white wine is crafted from Carricante and Moscato which grow at an altitude of 350 metres close to the coast. The cooling sea breezes help to moderate the temperature even during high summer, preserving plenty of freshness and delicate aromatics in the grapes. The fruit is fermented in large 30 hectolitre casks and left to mature here on the lees for 4 months before bottling.

Luscious ripe peaches, apricot, citrus and honeysuckle leap out of the glass while the first sip reveals a bright acidity, light body, and hints of toasty oak, vanilla and spice on the mouthwatering finish. There’s a good balance between ripe fruit and complex oak character which makes this a great match for roast chicken, risottos, and spicy Asian dishes.