Rapillo Vino Bianco Passerina 2021

Press 4 White • August 2024 Direct Press Selection Antonella Consilia Volpe is a no-nonsense grower and winemaker in Serrone, Lazio, where she works organically in an isolated, rugged, mountainous area — only 50 miles from Rome but a world apart in cultural terms. The historic residents of the area remained independent from Rome until 300 A.D. which is still reflected in the region's strong-willed, obstinate identity. Antonella has parcels scattered throughout the hillsides and makes rustic, humbly delicious wines from Cesanese and Passerina. She is in her 60s and speaks no English and most of her wines are made to quench the thirst of local villagers. Her Bianco is 100% Passerina grown on sandy loam and vinified in stainless steel with native yeats and no filtration. It's fresh and unpretentious, but still has a nice textural depth and a dialed-in balance of lemongrass with volcanic, mineral salinity. Jonathan Kemp