Le Pinete 2023

Located in the countryside near Bolgheri, on Tuscany's Tyrrhenian coast, the Dario di Vaira estate benefits from a maritime climate tempered by sea breezes and the surrounding hills. The vines for the Le Pinete cuvée are rooted in soils of sand, silt, and pebbles, typical of this part of the Maremma, providing excellent drainage and consistent grape ripening. Close to the village of Bolgheri and not far from Castagneto Carducci, the vineyard enjoys a sunny exposure and temperature variations that contribute to aromatic freshness.

This wine reveals notes of fresh citrus , white-fleshed fruit , and white flowers , complemented by subtle herbaceous touches and a delicate mineral nuance. On the palate, it is supple and balanced, carried by a lively acidity that lengthens the tasting and underscores the purity of the fruit. The texture remains light, with a lingering sensation of freshness, and a clean, slightly saline finish that invites you to return to the glass.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!