When Antonella and Raimondo bought the vineyards (above a painted interpretation by Antonella) that are now Azienda Agricola Martilde, Riesling Italico was heavily planted and quite old, but in good shape. So, they kept it. Planning to focus on mostly red wines, they have a few whites they've grown very committed to and one of those is this rich and delicious Riesling Italico "Gelo" which was named after their Sheepdog and the label depicts Gelo in his favorite posture. The combination of the advanced aged of the vines and the low yields they produce help make this wine as balanced and elegant as it is.
Different than its German cousin and even its Italian sibling of Riesling Renan, Riesling Italico is less aromatic and more pulpy. It produces a still dry white wine with good structure and mild acidity which makes it pleasantly full. It has a deep gold color with a nose full of herb and stone fruit and an apple-pear fruit flavor with lots of minerality on the finish. It's righteously pleasant and giving.
Riesling Italico "Gelo" $13 a bottle
