“Zitelle Duri” Malvasia Bianco Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2023

Meroi Davino | Friuli
Az. Agr. Meroi | Via Stretta 7/b | IT 33042 Buttrio

02091323 · 0,75 l · 73,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
Limitation of 3 articles per customer

While Barchetta and Casa Rossa in the Zitelle vineyard stand for international Sauvignon brilliance, the Duri parcel tells a completely different story – duri is the third single vineyard within the legendary Zitelle terroir, which Paolo Meroi acquired in 2007 and which once belonged to the old order of unmarried sisters. However, in contrast to the Ponca-rich parcels with their sandstone-flysch soil, the Duri has a fundamentally different soil character: clay and loam dominate here, enriched with iron, magnesium and sodium – minerals, which give the Malvasia its very own aromatic depth and opulent fullness.

Malvasia is one of the Friulian grape varieties that has been cultivated in these hills for centuries, long before international varieties such as Sauvignon or Chardonnay found their way to Buttrio. It embodies the Slavic, Romanesque and Austrian heritage that has merged in this border region – a grape variety that, in the right hands, is capable of extraordinary aromatic and floral complexity. Paolo Meroi recognised the potential of this parcel and only produces the Duri in the best vintages as a "Green Label" – his exclusive selection, in which only the most perfect grapes are used. The hand-picked Malvasia grapes are fermented in September in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts. The wine is matured for ten months in French barriques – 30% new – followed by five months in stainless steel and a further eight months in the bottle. This long, patient ageing period results in a wine of opulent richness and fabulous complexity.

The aromatic and floral profile of Malvasia is revealed in all its splendour: ripe citron, camomile, melon and white pepper dominate the nose, underpinned by mandarin, yellow peach, jasmine and honeysuckle. A vibrant, elegant and vertical structure with a creamy texture unfolds on the palate, perfectly balanced by lively acidity. The long final reveals fascinating notes of candied ginger and vanilla pod – a spicy, mineral complexity born of the unique combination of clay-rich terroir and masterful ageing. A wine that proves why the indigenous Malvasia, in the hands of a master like Paolo Meroi, is one of the most exciting white wines Italy has to offer – an insider tip that deserves to be discovered. SUPERIORE.DE