2016 Venissa Bianco

Made in tiny volumes, the result is a white wine unlike any other. This extraordinary grape has adapted to the lagoon’s damp conditions and salt-rich soils. Time on skins gives it grip and texture, while there’s remarkable freshness with a savoury, saline character as well as citrus and riper, exotic fruit. It sits somewhere in between mature white Burgundy, white Hermitage and Chardonnay or Savagnin from the Jura. A beautiful deep gold colour, the nose offers aromas of red apple, fresh stone-fruit and orange zest with acacia and bergamot behind. It’s light, airy and yet full of complexity, a subtle hint of sweet spice and minerality. Concentrated and full of energy on the palate, this is a wine of texture and tension. The sea spray salinity keeps the intense citrus and exotic fruit flavours in check. There’s a wonderful persistence to the long, mineral finish. Very moreish.