MADONNA DELLE GRAZIE LEUCONOE 2022

Style : Rocks & Minerals

The historical Roman town Venosa, named after the Roman goddess, Venus, sits in the northwestern corner of the Basilicata, Italy¿s third least populated department. The city¿s centro storico is mostly well-manicured, or at least somewhat recently renovated, and the large and often juxtaposed limestone and black volcanic road slabs seem to be even polished in some areas; it¿s not typical of Italy¿s south, where inside cities spatzzatura (Italian for trash) always seems to be within sight. There is an industrial side to Venosa, but where you want to be, in the historical center, is wonderful. What makes Venosa even more special for us is our relationship with the Latoracca family, the owners of Cantina Madonna della Grazie, a name derived from the eponymous historic church that abuts their home and cantina.

This whole-cluster pressed Aglianico white wine (yes, made from that deeply hued red grape with tons of tannin and acidity) is as unusual as it is special. Red grapes mostly rely on their skins for a wine¿s complexity, color, and flavor. But not every red grape can make good rosé, let alone good white wine. Yet, even the greatest of red varieties would be challenged to match the complexity of this white, which demonstrates how much talent Aglianico harbors inside its thick, dark skins.

Multilayered and surprisingly complex, Leuconoe strikes with high-toned stinging acidity, softened by a back palate of nectar from the season¿s first pickings of yellow stone fruits. Honey and spice are joined by a gentle hint of the beguiling smoke aroma typical in Italian wines from volcanic soils. A sublime gem of an experiment! IMPORTER NOTES

Region : Basilicata, ITALY

Variety :  Aglianico

ABV: 13.5%

Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Lic No. LIQP770016424

*We endeavour to ensure the correct vintage is displayed, however some variations may occur in store and for delivered bottles.