Michael G. Hanchard
Michael G. Hanchard
Years ago, a boxing trainer and commentator described former world junior middleweight champion James Buddy McGirt as " as good as a fighter can be without being great". Fair or not, this description applies to wines which, while not the best representation of their appellation or varietal, nevertheless provide joy and pleasure as reminders of why you prefer certain wines and grapes more than others. Such is the case with 20012 Poggiobello Riesling from Colli Orientali del Friuli. While it does not have the intensity of a vineyard designation Alsatian Riesling, nor the Gothic structure of an Austrian Smaragd, the Poggiobello nevertheless reveals its Hapsburg heritage in the combination of minerality, lemon grass, chamomile and a slightly honeyed flavors on the palate. Federspiel and Kamptal come to mind, but with Friuli's vivacity. Loosely wound,this wine is not a long term ager, to be enjoyed over the next 2-3 years.
Salute!!
Salute!!