The Magic of Malvasia
The Magic of Malvasia
2013 Delle Venezie Bianco “Morus Alba”
2013 Delle Venezie Bianco “Morus Alba”
Vignai da Duline Italy | Friuli | Delle Venezie
Morus Alba is a magical blend of old-vine Malvasia Istriana grown in red clay with a rare, ancient clone of Sauvignon in sandstone marl soil (known as flysch). The very different, yet complementary grapes and terroirs create a Friulian wine experience with few equals. Aged in neutral barrels with complete malo, Morus Alba is a full-bodied, textured white with many layers. The tiny yields give an intensely concentrated wine of immense complexity, with delicate aromas of white flowers and ripe citrus soaring over a deep, rich structure, all balanced on a taut beam of minerality. It should be decanted and savored in large Burgundy glasses, as you would do with a fine Meursault. Discovering each arrival from Duline—getting acquainted with each, beginning to realize what you’ve got in your glass—is a profound experience.
The most cellar-worthy of Duline's whites, Morus Alba blossoms with some bottle age. Seven years past the vintage, the 2013 has entered its prime. This masterpiece from the hills of Friuli is now available at a discount as part of our Anniversary Sale.
I think Morus Alba is best drunk in front of the sea, with fish appetizers—even raw. One night in a restaurant, I witnessed a man pour a splash directly into a shucked oyster. It was a simple, yet powerful pairing. Otherwise, I suggest a vegetable risotto, or a pasta with zucchini and shrimp.
—Federica Magrini of Vignai da Duline
Wine Type: | white |
Vintage: | 2013 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | 60% Malvasia Istriana, 40% Sauvignon |
Appellation: | Delle Venezie |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Friuli |
Producer: | Vignai da Duline |
Winemaker: | Federica Magrini, Lorenzo Mochiutti |
Vineyard: | Planted in 1940 & 1979, .36 ha (Malvasia) 1.04 ha (Sauvignon) |
Soil: | Red soil (Malvasia) Flysch soil (Sauvignon) |
Aging: | Aged for 11 months in 2.5 hl oak barrels |
Farming: | Organic (practicing) |
Production: | 2000 cases |
Alcohol: | 13.5% |