Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva Contini 1998 - 37.5cl

The Vernaccia di Oristano Contini Riserva is a dry white wine in an oxidative style that stands out for its overwhelming intensity. Like other great wines in an oxidative style, such as Vin Jaune and Sherry, Vernaccia di Oristano is also produced through the intervention of flor yeasts, a particular type of fungi that forms a film on the surface of the wine left to age in partially filled barrels. The Spanish origin name “flor” derives from the rough appearance and arrangement of yeast cell clusters, resembling an open flower.

Contini Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva originates from only Vernaccia grapes grown in the Bassa Valle del Tirso area, a few meters above sea level. Here, the vines benefit from the typically Mediterranean and breezy climate and the sandy and slightly clayey matrix of the soils, of alluvial origin. After harvesting, the bunches are vinified in white through soft pressing and controlled temperature alcoholic fermentation. Subsequently, the wine ages for a very long period of at least 20 years in barrels of oak and chestnut kept partially filled to promote the development of flor yeasts.

In the glass, the Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva from the Sardinian winery Contini exhibits a bright and consistent amber-yellow hue. Intense and fascinating aromatic range with intricate notes of dehydrated apricot, toasted hazelnut, almond blossom, and honey that combine with decided briny hints. The progression on the palate is warm and enveloping, very intense and harmonious, characterized by a persistent savory finish, almost salty. Due to its undeniable uniqueness, this Vernaccia di Oristano is the perfect meditation wine, to be enjoyed at the end of a meal with the right company. Also try pairing it with dishes based on bottarga or with aged cheeses.