2014 Bio Vio ‘Aimone’ Vermentino

Price: $23
Region: Riviera Ligure di Ponente < Liguria < Italy 
Grapes: Vermentino
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic farming, 30 year-old vines; fermentation in stainless steel tanks; <20ppm added SO2
Winemaker: Giobotta Vio

The seaside region of Liguria is an extraordinary place, the land of quaint, almost Disney-esque, pastel villages and incredible food (pesto, focaccia, fresh fish, olive oil!) It is also one of Italy’s best kept wine secrets, a secret only because they produce so little, thanks to extremely steep and impossible terrain that is often struck by landslides. Vermentino thrives here, so close to the ocean, and absorbs the terroir in a profound way, reflecting the salty, mineral quality of the sea. In addition to a deep core of salinity, this wine goes a bit rogue with intriguing notes of passionfruit, apricot and Meyer lemon. Zesty but rich and palate-coating, it practically begs for something tasty drenched in olive oil. Giobotta Vio and his two daughters tend Vermentino and two other native varietals on their organic farm, which also functions as an agriturismo. Pioneers of organic farming in Liguria, the family does everything by hand, with very little intervention, from harvest to cellar work. A gorgeous wine that has the magical ability to transport one to a sunny, happy place by the sea, and brighten up October.