FENECH Maddalena 2020

Francesco Fenech (name of Maltese origin) is the owner of a small family estate. He took over the estate almost 30 years ago and in 1996 he decided to modernize the operation. The 7ha estate is located on the island of Salina , one of the Aeolian islands located in the north of Sicily. We are in Malfa, one of the 3 towns on the island, dotted with volcanoes.

The estate produces only one dry white wine: Maddalena . Francesco Fenech gave the name of his daughter to this vintage where the 2 "D" of the word recall the 2 volcanic peaks and the old name of the island (Dydime which means twins). This wine is made from 100% Malvasia from vines entirely worked organically and growing on volcanic soils. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and there is no aging in wood to maintain the freshness and purity of the fruit. This wine reveals notes of apricot , nectarine , ripe pear , bouquet of white flowers , spring honey and saline notes . The palate is aromatic, round and warm. The finish is mineral and very digestible.

Ah Italy, what a beautiful hedonistic country, people of the Dolce Vita, but what difficulty in understanding its wine organization! The key to understanding the naming system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous country because each region has its own naming system. Italy can, however, give wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, as well as bottles filled with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless and characterless wines which are sold under their most useful and commercially reputable name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco and many others...



But let's talk a little history, viticulture in Italy dates back to ancient times and it originated in Greece. The Etruscans would have planted vines and Greek immigrants would have improved and modified the grape varieties who subsequently called this country "Oenotria": the country of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life and certain regions already stood out for the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible testimony to their invasion.



Today Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic areas. The northern mountains experience a fairly harsh mountain climate. The “middle of the boot” plain is the domain of the continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the "southern part of the Italian boot" the Mediterranean climate reigns with very hot and very dry summers without forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In summary, Italy produces wines of great variety thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originate from their lands. It is a country just as complex as its wines which deserve to be explored!