2019 Terlaner 1 Grande Cuvee

A little tighter in structure than the 2013, lean and crisp while delivering juice and flavour. Slate and citrus, lime blossom and white peach, a vertical rise through the mid palate, and an incredibly long finish, pummice stone texture wrapped in silk. A vintage with long slow ripening, three weeks later than normal with harvesting through to middle of October. A brilliant wine from Rudi Kofler and the team, whole cluster pressing, malolactic fermentation and ageing on lees for 12 months in large wooden barrels.

This is a gorgeous white wine, one of the best made in Italy. The Cantina Terlano 2019 Alto Adige Terlaner Grand Cuvée Primo is 70% Pinot Bianco, 28% Chardonnay and 2% Sauvignon Blanc. You feel all parts of the grape in this wine—the skins, the pulp and the extreme workmanship that goes into the blend and aging. This is the proverbial work of art in a bottle. Candied orange, apricot, almond paste, star jasmine, honey, saffron and much more rise gracefully from the bouquet. To the palate, this 3,333-bottle production offers an opulent, mid-weight texture with a smooth and silky finish. There are only great things to say.

The 2019 Terlaner Grand Cuvée Primo is youthfully backward and delicate, requiring coaxing to release its sweetly scented bouquet of peach skins, raw almonds, whole cream and smoke. It envelopes the senses with an elegant wave of ripe orchard fruits and spice, boasting medium-bodied textures, yet also vibrant acidity that works to balance the expression perfectly. A saline tinge lingers through the finale, along with pretty inner florals and hints of chamomile, as this tapers off incredibly fresh. The 2019 Grand Cuvée Primo is going to require cellaring to fully express itself. I was fortunate to be able to taste this both at the winery and here in New York City. What a darling. It’s a blend of 70% Pinot Bianco, 28% Chardonnay and 2% Sauvignon Blanc.