2019 Bio Vio ‘Aimone’ Vermentino

Region: Riviera Ligure di Ponente < Liguria < Italy 
Grapes: Vermentino
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic farming, 30 year-old vines on schist, quartz, and limestone soils; fermentation in stainless steel tanks; <20ppm added SO2; 13.5% ABV
Winemaker: Giobotta Vio

NEW VINTAGE!  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. 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.

The 2019 “Aimone” is the textbook coastal Italian wine of our dreams, with a dreamy shimmering golden color and that transportive scent of honey, coastal sage, rosemary, mint and salt air. Racy and bright, there is a deep core of salinity and minerality but it seduces from the start with lush apricot, pineapple and herbs (basil maybe -- this is Liguria, after all).  Zesty but rich and palate-coating, it practically begs for something tasty drenched in olive oil.  So much to love here -- except the quantities.  We got the last 3 cases in Cali, so grab a few bottles now and prepare to be transported to the Italian coast....