Mentor Wines | June 18, 2024
Rodaro Malvasia 2020 Fruili Italy
At the end of the day in Linden’s tasting room we finish with a staff tasting of a mystery wine. Linden has a selection of wines from all over the world. At the end of the day a wine is chosen by a staff member. The bottle is bagged, hiding its identity. We taste, we discuss, we debate and then unveil. Blind tasting is perhaps the best staff training tool that ever existed in the history of mankind. One evaluates aromas, flavors and structure. And most importantly impressions are communicated. The guessing part is fun, but it is the path that is much more important.
Last weekend we had in our glass one of those elusive wines that could only be identified by what it was not rather than what it was. It was a beauty. Guesses ranged from Chardonnay to Roussane. From Spain to California.
The wine had incredible concentration. It showed signs of complexity that usually only come with age. It seemed warm (high alcohol), but carried its weight with a very precise acidity. It demanded attention.
When unveiled, I was in awe because Malvasia is a grape that usually produces simple fruity, quaffable wines. This wine was anything but that. Such focus, such concentration, such complexity. This is a wine of intention and art rather than commerce. Bravo!
Rodaro boxed well above its weight class with this wine. I love wines that show what is possible outside a stereotyped box.. Definitely qualifies for “mentor’ status. My only problem with this wine is that they are selling it too inexpensively. Guys, raise the price!
Maybe we should consider planting some Malvasia vines in Linden’s trial vineyard.
Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Mentor Wines: June 18, 2024