Selvadolce Crescendo 2024

Tenuta Selvadolce is a small biodynamic estate on the coast of Liguria, run by Aris Blancardi, who turned from a career in equine veterinary work to take over his family vineyards. Crescendo is bottled under IGP Terrazze Imperiese from Pigato, the characterful native white of western Liguria, farmed biodynamically and made naturally. As an orange wine, it is made with skin contact, the juice macerating on the grape skins to draw colour and tannin, then aged for six months in large wood vats of 80 to 220 hectolitres. The size of these vats means a low ratio of wood surface to wine, so the ageing builds texture and a gentle savoury complexity through slow oxygen exchange without imposing oak flavour. The coastal terraces and sea breezes give Pigato its herbal, saline character and hold acidity through the maceration. The wine is deep golden, with aromas of ripe apricot, white peach and orange peel over Mediterranean herbs, almond and a touch of honey. The palate is dry and textured, with firm skin grip, a savoury depth and a long, herbal finish. Serve at 12 to 14 degrees, decanted, in a broad glass. It suits roast pork, chicken and hard cheeses.