Bosco De' Medici

Pompeii Bianco 2020

91

The Bosco De’ Medici winery sits just steps away from the ancient remains of Pompeii, the Roman city on the Bay of Naples that was destroyed when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 C.E. The Palomba family has owned the property since the early 1900s, establishing a hotel and horse stables, and cultivating vines, but they only began vinifying their own wines from the 2014 vintage. They work with the native grape varieties of this volcanic region, including caprettone, a white grape once thought to be another name for coda di volpe but now considered a distinct variety. One third of the grapes rest on the skins in clay amphorae for four months, developing flavors and texture of dried apricot that mesh with notes of tart lemon and sea salt.

Bosco De' Medici

Pompeii Bianco 2016

91

Editors' Choice Intense aromas of white rose, grapefruit and Mediterranean brush lead the nose on this intriguing wine. Made with 100% Caprettone, the bright, enveloping palate delivers pineapple, candied orange zest, dried apricot and bitter almond. A flinty mineral note energizes the finish while fresh acidity provides the backbone.

Ca' del Sarto

Unoaked Chardonnay 2021

88

Bright, delicate yellow; aromas of pear, lemon oil and melon. Medium-bodied, this is straightforward with good acidity, clean fruit flavors and pleasant aromas. Don’t worry about aging this wine, drink it tonight or over the next 12-15 months and enjoy.