Possa, Cinque Terre Amphora, Cinque Terra, Liguria, Italy

This wine is from an extraordinary coastal vineyard in Cinque Terre in Italy's north west.
Heydi Bonanini grows exclusively local varieties on sandstone and volcanic soils on a handful of parcels, mainly dotted around the village Riomaggiore. He is one of just a dozen or so growers still working these beautiful but insanely challenging vineyards. His main parcel called ‘Possa’ is perched on a steep rocky slope that leads straight down to the sea and requires a monorail tram to access the bottom parts as it is so steep. Here he grows more than 10 grape varieties, the vines interplanted with over 60 varieties of herbs and vegetables. Heydi keeps bees here as well, the entire slope an absolute haven for biodiversity.

 For this wine the grapes were destemmed and the wine fermented in amphora with
5 days of skin contact. After pressing it was transferred back to amphora where it finished fermentation and stayed on full lees until bottling the following February, unfined, unfiltered, and made with no added unsulphur.

On the nose there are aromas of honey and ripe cantaloupe. Dry but ample and round, a rich, velvety texture with a smokey edge and savoury, almost salty finish. Amazing with fish, fresh young cheeses, chargrilled veg. A wine that speaks of sea cliffs, salty breezes and a unique location.

Producer - Possa
Country - Italy
Region - Liguria
Appellation - Cinque Terre
Variety / Blend - Rossese Bianco, Picabon, Bosco, Barbarossa
Wine Style - White Wine
Farming - Organic
Vegan