2018 Marta Valpiani Delyus Forli Bianco

Region: Forlì-Cescana < Emilia-Romagna < Italy

Grapes: Albana

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming w/ use of biodynamic practices; sandy clay soils; fermentation in small stainless tubs without temperature control, no malolactic fermentation then aged 6 months in cement, 3 months in bottle; unfined/unfiltered with minimal added SO2; 11% ABV; 330 cases

Winemaker: Elisa Valpiani

Castrocaro Terme, in the heart of Romagna, is a beautiful, wide-open green region not far from the Adriatic sea that is more famous for its thermal springs than wine.  But here, far from the noise of the city, among vineyards, olive groves and forests, Marta Valpiani, winemaker Elisa Valipiani's mom, founded her own winery in 1999.  Marta Valpiani was always passionate about wine and olive oil (a woman after our own heart!), and dreamt of starting her own project.  Elisa, who shares her mom's passion for wine, ditched her own boring career to join her mom on the ride. 

A multi-generation cellar founded and run by women is rare and special anywhere, but especially in the (still) fairly patriarchal nooks and crannies of Italy.  This alone piqued our interest, but the wine itself is fantastic.  It smells faintly aromatic and salty, with pretty stone fruits and citrus blossom.  Light and fresh on the palate, there's a salty zippiness and a mix of ripe citrus fruits, apricot and crunchy herbs.  Super easy-drinking and lovely on its own, yet complex enough to pair with everything from fried calamari to linguine with clams to mac & cheese.