Crespaia Bianchello del Metauro '24

Crespaia is an emerging superstar in the Marche region of Italy. The winery was founded in 2011 when Rossano Sgammini purchased the 13-hectare estate, located in Località Prelato, an eighteenth-century settlement that once belonged to a local lord. If there is one thing we know about wine in countries like Italy and France, it’s that either the church or local nobility always possessed the best vineyards.
 
Crespaia is located just three kilometers off the coast, near the historically important city of Fano. The vineyards are located around 150 meters in elevation, oriented from south to north. The sea winds and exposition allow for freshness, and make the vineyards ideal for the Bianchello grape variety. Bianchello del Metauro is a small DOC that was created in 1969 and named after the Metauro river, which flows through the region. In total, there are only 114 hectares in the entire appellation. The grape variety of the region is Biancame, although it is often referred to simply as Bianchello. 
 
Crespaia produces the best example of Bianchello del Metauro in the region. Rossano and his daughter Cecilia are dedicated to producing the best possible version. They make three versions of the varietal, a sparkling, this everyday value, and a Superiore version called “Chiaraluce.” 

The 2024 Crespaia Bianchello del Metauro is a fantastic value. All Biancame comes from different parcels on the property, with grapes hand harvested, destemmed, and pressed gently in a pneumatic press. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel with natural yeasts. Aging is on the lees in tank for several months before it is bottles. 

Beautiful aromas that hint at white flowers, citrus, and mineral. Crisp and elegant on the palate, with more citrus notes, and a long, dry finish. Not that you won’t be able to finish a bottle in one sitting, but this wine drinks nicely over several days, which is really rare to find. We tasted this over a week with no signs of oxidation. Versatile with lots of different types of food, we love this with steamed clams.