2023 Azienda Agricola Monte Maletto, Erbaluce di Caluso, Vecchie Tonneaux

A distinctive Alpine white wine made from 100% Erbaluce. Monte Maletto is led by Gian Marco Viano, a passionate winemaker dedicated to reviving the ancient, steep vineyards of Alto Piemonte using organic and non-interventionist methods. This comes from the same area as the Carema above, at the foothills of the Alps where Piedmont runs into Valle d’Aoste. The Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG appellation surrounds the small town of Caluso, just south of Carema. The vineyards feature nutrient-poor, sandy, glacial-morainic soils rich in gneiss and serpentine. This bottling, which sees extended aging in old tonneaux (large oak casks), offers remarkable texture and depth. It is marked by notes of citrus peel, crushed stone, white flowers, savory herbs, and a hint of smoky minerality. The high natural acidity provides a long, energetic, and saline finish. We're currently obsessed with this wine!