Remember those Mediterranean dinners during your vacation? Picture long, warm nights where everyone is relaxed and chilling. The food is fresh, the atmosphere cozy, and the wine starts off light and crisp. But when heartier dishes arrive, a more robust wine makes its appearance. This isn’t just your typical fresh white—it’s a white wine with depth of color and structure reminiscent of a red. If this scenario sounds familiar, I’ve got just the thing for you: the Romagna Albana DOCG Secco from the Giovannini winery. I received this wine from Venivino, and I’ll tell you all about it in this collaboration.
What is a Albana DOCG wine?
An Albana DOCG wine is an Italian white wine made from the Albana grape variety, where DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) indicates the highest level of quality designation for Italian wines. It is known for its complexity and depth, often compared to red wines in structure. The Alabana grape is very unknown, but it is very diverse, you can find it in various styles of wine, including dry, sweet, and passito made from dried grapes. The grape is known for its thick skin and resistance to disease, making it relatively easy to cultivate. In 1987, wines made from Albana grapes in the Romagna area were granted DOCG status, making it the first white wine in Italy to receive this highest level of Italian wine classification.
Personal Tasting notes of the Giovannini Albana
When I opened the bottle and poured the first bit, I thought, “Oh wow, what an amazing color! Deep yellow bit of orange.” I found it very intriguing as I smelled fresh, slightly oxidative, with earthy tones, dried fruit, blossom and orange peel. After a bit of swirling, the wine opened up. Aha! This wine needs some love, swirling, and patience. As it opened up, a large bouquet revealed itself. I encountered abundant tropical fruit, dried pineapple, dried banana, red apple, honey, cream, butterscotch, acacia, and ripe pear. The nose was full, and with every swirl, new layers emerged—super interesting!
The palate is full-bodied, mirroring the nose with tropical fruit, dried pineapple, dried banana, red apple, honey, cream, butterscotch, acacia, and ripe pear. The acidity is medium-plus, and there are also some spices and herbs in the long aftertaste, making it an outstanding wine that transports you back to your Mediterranean summer dinners.
The wine is aged in terracotta vats, imparting a rounded flavor with earthy undertones. It’s a true powerhouse of a white wine, boasting a structure almost “red wine-like”—quite unique for a white! This wine is crafted for food pairing rather than casual sipping. It complements substantial snacks or full meals beautifully. Furthermore, it possesses excellent aging potential when stored at the proper temperature, often improving with time. As an added bonus, it’s 100% organic—a delightful feature. The wine pairs wonderfully with various fish dishes, mild curries, and hard cheeses. Its robust character allows it to stand up to bold flavors without being overpowered.
Conclusion
The Albana DOCG from Giovannini Winery is truly a hidden gem in the world of white wines. Its unique characteristics – depth, structure, and aging potential – set it apart from typical white wines, making it a fascinating choice for wine enthusiasts. In conclusion, the Albana DOCG from Giovannini Winery is more than just a white wine—it’s an experience. It challenges our expectations of what a white wine can be, offering the depth and structure often associated with reds while maintaining its distinct white wine identity. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious enthusiast, this Albana DOCG is definitely worth exploring. It’s a testament to the diversity and excitement that the world of wine continues to offer. Thanks again for this collaboration, Venvino!
By this wine at Venvino: https://venivino.nl/product/giovannini-albana-docg/
