Castello Di Cesare Bianco Lazio 2007

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Region/Country:

Lazio IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) (also known as Latium)

Production Practices:

Kosher for Passover Non-Mevushal.  The owner of production facilities emphasizes respect for the environment and are part of the owner's independent organic methods.

Varietal/Blend:
70% Malvasia and 30% Trebbiano

Appearance:
With the glass tilted at about a 45 degree angle, the wine is clear, transparent, very pale, almost winter wheat color to water-white core that is constant to the rim.

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with an initial impression of low, almost neutral, intensity of aromas. After an intense swirl the neutral aromas persisted on the nose.

Palate:
Dry, light(+) body with medium (+) mouth-watering acidity, and no indication of tannin indicative of a white wine. There is no indication of alcohol burn (12.0% ABV) indicating that it is well integrated into the wine and in balance with the other components. The fruit characteristics are a low almost neutral although there seems to be a very++ slight hint citrus (grapefruit or lemon)

Finish/Length:
The finish is clean and short.

Conclusions:

This wine seems to be typical of other Lazio wines I have tasted in the past.  The Malvasia naturally produces wines that are low in acidity, high in sugar, and relatively neutral in flavor.  The Trebbiano also is neutral in flavor and is probably responsible for the medium acidity encountered in this wine.  I beleive this is an excellent example of a Bianco Lazio IGT from this region for the price. The wine is free of defects and the components seem to be in balance. I believe that this wine should be consumed within the next twelve months (no longer) considering the vital components of alcohol, acidity, fruit that do not bode well for ageing potential. This is an enjoyable, easy to drink wine for now.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$10.00

Producers Notes:

From Italy’s Lazio/Latium Region near Rome comes this old-world style wine from Castello di Cesare (Kas-tello dee Chesare) meaning “Caesar’s Castle.”

The white (Bianco Lazio) is a blend of 70 percent Malvasia and 30 percent Trebbiano and is delightfully crisp and fruity with pronounced tropical fruits, apple and pear notes. Both are 2007 (MMVII) vintage. Non-Mevushal. Under the Strict Orthodox supervision of Rav Umberto Avraham Piperno in accordance with the Chief Rabbinate of Rome and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

The grapes for Castello di Cesare are grown at an altitude of 350 meters at the Zagarolo Wine Estate and are always hand harvested. The estate’s production philosophy emphasizes respect for the environment and the use of products that are part of the owners’ independent organic methods. The winery is also home to the International Academy of Kosher Wine Production, affiliated with Touro College’s overseas Italian program.