Il Geco Vermentino Grenache Blanc 2021 [sample]

The Il Geco Cap Classique knocked my socks off. I watched with delight as all three of vintages took home medals, with the 2017 earning a Gold Medal at the 2022 Amorim Cap Classique Challenge. As much as I was in awe of the 2014, sparklings are still something I reserve for 'special' occasions - so I begged Clarise Sciocatti, the winemaker, for her still wines.

The Wine:

Pale lemon, with a gorgeous nose of green apples, lemon peel and grapefruit, salinity, oyster shell, burnt sugar, elderflower cordial, and chamomile flowers.

Dry with high acidity...but it’s gentle soft acidity that doesn't try to rip your face off, medium bodied, medium alcohol, and a loooong finish. Juicy nectarines, subtle pineapples, and burnt sugar join the salty lemons on the juicy bright palate. It gets you salivating immediately.

Final Thoughts:

My official verdict: super duper yum! In hindsight, I often read into the cues that the wine label suggests...but the contradiction of this beautifully tranquil branding with its minimalist illustration, and the confidently aromatic wine inside is a delightful surprise.

If you’re in SA, only 550 bottles were made so fastest fingers...though, these aren't listed on the site so you might need to email Clarise.