Roccafiore FiorFiore Grechetto Di Todi 2019 750ml

From the heart of Umbria comes this exceptional Grechetto that showcases why this indigenous variety deserves recognition among Italy's great white wines. Roccafiore's 'FiorFiore' represents their flagship expression, crafted from organically farmed old vines in the prestigious Todi zone. The 2019 vintage demonstrates the remarkable complexity and aging potential that Grechetto can achieve when treated with the respect usually reserved for more famous varieties.

The wine displays a luminous golden color, reflecting both its maturity and the extended skin contact employed during vinification. The nose is strikingly complex, offering layers of ripe stone fruits—peach, apricot, and quince—interwoven with notes of chamomile, wild herbs, and acacia honey. As the wine opens, additional nuances emerge: toasted almonds, beeswax, and a distinctive mineral quality that speaks to Umbria's clay and limestone soils. There's a subtle oxidative note that adds complexity rather than detracting from the fruit.

On the palate, this Grechetto delivers remarkable depth and texture rarely found in central Italian whites. The mouthfeel is rich and almost waxy, with a weight that suggests serious intentions. Flavors of golden apple, pear, and citrus peel are complemented by more complex notes of fennel, white tea, and a hint of bitter almond. The wine's natural phenolic grip, enhanced by skin contact, provides structure and complexity while maintaining elegance. Despite its richness, bright acidity keeps everything in perfect balance.

What distinguishes this Roccafiore bottling is its ambitious approach to a variety often relegated to simple, everyday wines. The biodynamic farming practices, native yeast fermentation, and minimal intervention philosophy allow the true character of Grechetto to shine through. This is not a simple refreshing white but a serious, contemplative wine that challenges preconceptions about what Umbrian whites can achieve. The 2019 vintage's ideal conditions have produced a wine of exceptional harmony and complexity.

The finish is extraordinarily long and nuanced, with persistent notes of fruit, herbs, and mineral that continue to evolve. This is a wine that rewards patience, revealing new facets as it warms in the glass. It pairs magnificently with rich fish dishes, white meats, truffle-based preparations, or the hearty vegetable dishes of Umbrian cuisine. For those seeking to explore Italy's indigenous varieties beyond the usual suspects, this Grechetto offers a revelation—proof that central Italy's whites deserve serious attention from discerning wine lovers.