This is a delightful, full-flavored white from an obscure grape variety and a relatively unknown region. The 2022 Bellone, a local variety in the area around Agro Pontino, south of Rome. The Bellone is a late ripening grape and benefits from the daily sea breezes in the Agro Pontino Valley. It offers ripe fruit with concentrated flavors and the ability to retain refreshing acidity. The 2022 Casale del Giglio Bellone has a forward nose of fresh flowers, pear, peach, mango and spice. On the palate, the luscious layers of peach and exotic tropical fruit are enhanced by a lively, lemon zest nuance and a creamy texture. It is a classic Mediterranean white that is well worth sampling.
Casale del Giglio, Lazio IGP (Italy) Bellone 2022
By Wayne Belding