Giovanni Menti Monte del Cuca Bianco 2020

‘Monte del  Cuca’ is 100% Garganega from a 5.5 hectare vineyard in Gambellara with about 60 year old vines on average. The grapes are hand harvested and go through fermentation with their skins and native yeast; on-skin maceration ranges from 25 to 45 days. Stefano then decides whether to age in concrete tanks or non-toasted Slavonia oak barrels (or a combination of the two) resting on the lees for at least a year.  It is characterized by hints of ripe stone and orchard fruit, honey, and spices notes that support a fresh, more intense palate, without lacking mineral notes, slight tannicity, and nice acidity. Orange blossom, jasmine, and green tea (all of the teas!) come through in varying degrees on the palate and in terms the wine’s wispy, gently bitter tannins. Cardamom spice cake, orange-rind marmalade,  brown butter nectarine skin, and cantaloupe round out the ever-evolving range of flavors.