2020 Felici Verdicchio Classico Riserva 'Il Cantero Della Figura'

"The 2019 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Vigna Il Cantico della Figura pulls me close to the glass with an understated yet incredibly pretty mix of dusty dried flowers, apricots and chamomile. It’s ripe in style yet not confectionary, soothing with near-glycerol fruits, showing hints of young mango and candied citrus. The 2019 leaves a coating of primary concentration that lingers incredibly long while tapering off with admirable length. This is an excellent vintage for the Vigna Il Cantico della Figura. Beautiful."

"Fine herbs to the fresh lime fruit, green apples and guava. A crisp palate with lovely dryness and vibrant acidity carrying the green citrus fruit. Mineral and chalky finish. A linear yet flavorful verdicchio."

(From an article about the lower-priced estate Verdicchio 2016) "Throw the raciness of Riesling, the breadth of Chenin, and the seriousness of Chablis across a blank canvas and swirl – you'll get Verdicchio: salty, powerful, intense, wire-cutter acidity, bitter almonds, cool citrus, and above all, the capacity to age into something quite extraordinary. . . At first glance it barely caught my attention; pale, faint pear, faint almonds. In the mouth, to begin with, it was pure tension. The liquid version of a wire sculpture, glittering with acidity. But very quickly it began to build in the mouth, layering nuttiness with sweet lemon over zest and then sunflower seeds. Tension turned to intensity that lingered long after the wine had gone. -- This wine, so delicious and intentional now, will get more complex and interesting with age. At each stage of its development it will be a brilliant food wine. While it's young, think fresh spring green: peas and pea shoots, asparagus, dishes made with lots of fresh herbs, green pesto, lemon zest, ricotta and delicate seafood. As it ages it will be able to take richer dishes: pork belly with braised fennel, lobster, scallops in creamy dill sauce, a hard mountain cheese. Or you could sip it quite happily by itself, especially this young, because it's so zesty. All this for less than £15. Ridiculously good value."