2023 Giuseppe Quintarelli Bianco Secco Cà del Merlo

The Quintarelli Giuseppe 2023 Bianco Secco is a traditional blend of Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Saorin. That fifth grape is the local name for Tocai or Friuliano, and as far as I know, only the Quintarelli family still refers to it by its local name "Saorin." The wine is partially aged in oak, and the rest goes into stainless steel vat. A tiny percentage of the blend sees appassimento. This is achieved by adding a small part of the air-dried Passito Amabile del Cerè to this wine. The Bianco Secco offers lots of sweet melon and peach over a medium-rich texture. The bouquet is laced with pretty mineral notes. The previous 2021 and 2022 vintages are more aromatic, but with the 2023 vintage, this wine returns to a classic Soave-like profile.