Paternoster Vulcanico Falanghina 2024

The Paternoster - Vulcanico Falanghina cuvée takes its name from the origin of its grapes, grown on the slopes of Monte Vulture, an ancient extinct volcano in northern Basilicata, in southern Italy. The vines take root in mineral-rich volcanic soils, on hillsides where altitude brings freshness and aromatic finesse. This hillside terroir thus combines the liveliness of cool nights with the generous sunshine and warmth typical of the South.

The Falanghina grapes are harvested when ripe, then the must ferments in stainless-steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 16 to 18 °C, in order to preserve the freshness and the fruity and floral aromas of the grape variety. The wine is then aged for around five months in steel tanks, in contact with its own lees, which gives it a broader texture without altering its purity. No oak is used.

This wine reveals notes of small white flowers, acacia, green apple, pear, white peach, pineapple, lemon and flint. The intense, persistent nose combines flowers and fresh fruit. The palate is fresh and balanced, with lovely tension and a clean, crisp, lightly saline finish.

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!