Description
Montenidoli Il Templare 2020
This wine is a distinctive and historical Tuscan white blend, crafted as an homage to the Knights Templar who once occupied the Montenidoli estate. It is composed of 80% Vernaccia, 15% Trebbiano Gentile, and 5% Malvasia Bianca. The grapes are harvested from the estate's vineyards surrounding San Gimignano, where the soils are rich in calcareous clay, marine sediments, and fossilized shells, imparting a profound mineral backbone to the wine. The 2020 vintage in Tuscany was characterized by a warm growing season that ensured full phenolic ripeness, while significant diurnal temperature shifts preserved the vital acidity needed to balance the fruit's concentration.
In the glass, the Il Templare 2020 displays a brilliant, deep yellow hue that hints at its richness. The nose is complex and evolving, opening with aromas of dried orchard fruits, ripe yellow pear, and bruised apple, layered with secondary notes of chamomile, beeswax, toasted almond, and a touch of warm spice. On the palate, this is a full-bodied and dry white wine with a luxurious, almost oily texture. Flavors of golden delicious apple, honeyed stone fruit, and savory herbs are lifted by a streak of saline minerality and fresh acidity. The finish is persistent and elegant, marked by a classic slightly bitter almond note that adds savory complexity.
Elisabetta Fagiuoli, the matriarch of Montenidoli, employs certified organic farming practices, viewing her role as a custodian of the land. The winemaking for Il Templare is strictly traditional and sets it apart from fresh, stainless-steel Vernaccias. The free-run juice is fermented in used French oak barriques, where it ages for 12 months. It then spends an additional 12 months refining in glass-lined cement vats before bottling. This extended aging process allows the wine to develop a tertiary complexity and stability similar to a red wine, making it capable of aging for decades.
With its structured body and savory depth, this wine demands rich, flavorful cuisine. It pairs exceptionally well with American classics such as Lobster Newburg or seared scallops with a brown butter and sage sauce, where the wine's texture matches the weight of the dish while its acidity cuts through the fat. Alternatively, try it with a roasted pork chop topped with apple chutney to highlight the wine's orchard fruit and spice notes. The 2020 vintage was awarded 90 points by Wine Spectator, which praised its rich cut and focus. Given its pedigree and age-worthiness, it represents remarkable value for a world-class white wine.
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