Girlan Alto Adige Pinot Bianco Plattenriegl 2016

A single-site wine, this comes from Girlan's Plattenriegl vineyard that sits at an elevation of 550 metres above sea level, in the gravelly, limestone-rich soils of the Appiano Monte. The area is considered to be one of the premier terroirs of the Alto Adige, and the Plattenriegl is one of its finest sites. Here, in the lee of the snow-capped Mendola mountain, the sun-drenched, rocky soils and elevation make a considerable contribution to the style of the wine, as do the old vines, hand harvesting, partial malo and partial vinification in large oak (40% - 50%). These influences result in a far more textural, satiny and mineral wine than you typically get from this variety. The 2016 is a standout; a pulpy, textured white with a brilliant polished feel, its pure, crystalline fruit is infused with racy, mountain-stream freshness.