Cantina Orsogna Lunaria Labelle Malvasia 2024

Cantina Orsogna is an Abruzzo co-operative that specialises in the region's indigenous grapes and farms biodynamically. Malvasia was one of Europe's most important varieties between 1500 and 1700, spread across the Mediterranean by Venetian traders, and Lunaria's version helps revive it. This is an aromatic grape, and the winemaking is built to protect that: fermentation is natural, with minimal intervention, and ageing runs just four months in acacia rather than oak. Acacia is a neutral, tight-grained wood that adds texture and a subtle floral lift without imposing vanilla or toast, keeping the wine's perfume intact. The result is bright straw in the glass, with white flowers, apricot and white peach on the nose, backed by citrus peel, elderflower and a touch of honey. The palate is soft and dry, with ripe orchard and melon fruit carried on gentle acidity to a clean finish; at fourteen per cent it has weight without heaviness. Serve at 9 to 11 degrees in a standard white glass.