Villa Ligi "Albaspino" Bianchello del Metauro '24

Francesco Tonelli has been making wine with local grape varieties at Villa Ligi since 1985, when he left his job as a teacher to focus on viticulture and wine making. He helped establish the tiny Pergola appellation, in Marche, an east-central region of Italy along the Adriatic coast. Marche is sometimes referred to as a transitional region between north-central Italy and southern Italy, yet many of its wines are unlike those of its neighbors, as they are made from local varieties uncommon elsewhere. At the helm of Villa Ligi today is Francesco's son Stefano, a trained oenologist who has taken the winery to new heights. He produces wine made from local varieties in appellations beyond Pergola, including Bianchello del Metauro DOC, where this white wine, “Albaspino,” originates.
 
“Albaspino” is a varietal bottling of the region’s historic variety Biancame (aka Bianchello), harvested from vines planted in 1980. Fermentation was carried out with indigenous yeasts, and vinification was carried out in stainless steel. The wine was aged for four months in stainless steel and two months in bottle before release.
 
The nose shows delicate aromas of white peach, lemon peel, citrus blossoms, and fresh green herbs, with a touch of bread yeast. A great balance of salty, fruity, and herbal flavors, with brisk acidity and a mouthwatering finish. Pair it with fresh oysters, grilled fish, or a seafood risotto.