TOCAI Vigne 50 Anni 2004

This unusual Tocai comes from ancient vines (fifty years old) and 20% of the grapes undergo a low temperature, slow criomaceration, to delicately extract more complex fruit aromas. Unusual but very attractive in its richness, intensity and density of colour, with golden delicious apples and dried oranges on the nose as well as a nutty, fruitcake spiciness. For a white wine that sees no oak maturation, the palate is impressively rich and offers a broad spectrum of mature fruit and nut flavours, nuances of dried herbs and spices, all balanced by excellent acidity. Definitely one to try - especially as, like the Ronco delle Cime from Venica (above), its rarity value will increase following the enforced name change of the grape.