Meet Our New White Wine: Gentilini Aspro
The Grape(s): Tsaoussi is native to the island of Kefalonia, Greece, where it is both a table grape and a wine grape. The berries are large, and produce wine that is aromatic and low in acid. Muscat is another Kefalonia native. This grape loves the sun. It has small berries, and produces very aromatic wines. Sauvignon Blanc originated in Bordeaux. This green-skinned grape yields wines with acid, structure, and vegetal and citrus notes.
The Wine: Gentilini Aspro 2012 is a blend of 40% Taoussi, 30% Muscat, and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Each grape varietal is sourced from a different, certified-organic vineyard (and micro-terroir) on Kephalonia, near the sea. Each is fermented separately in stainless steel before being blended together. The wine is medium/light in weight, with plenty of aromatics that hit the nose with soft flowers, citrus, melon, and spice. It has great complexity, a honeyed finish, and great salinity.
Fun Fact: Kephalonia has a long history, and one that is preserved in numerous, substantial archaeological finds across the island. These real ruins reflect that history, and also allude to Greece’s strong, mythological past. Unsubstantiated claims suggest that Kephalonia, itself, may have been the ancient Ithaca of Homeric legend, and that the massive and wealthy tombs at Tzanata housed the legendary leader, Odysseus. In Homer’s story, Odysseus’ journey back to Ithaca led him through many obstacles and monsters, including the giant, one-eyed Cyclops. “Evidence” for the mythical Cyclops also exists on Kephalonia, at Krani. There lie the remains of walls with stones so large that they *must* have been built by those giants.
Available now at Jet Wine Bar, 9.5/glass. Drink it with guacamole for a perfect pairing!