Quattro Mani Toh-Kai 2007
-
Robert
Parker
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The irrepressible, outspoken, and iconoclastic Ales Kristancic is the force behind Quattro Mani 2007 [Toh-kai]. Ripe quince, Persian melon, vivid gunpowder, green tea, coriander, spearmint, and elusive but haunting floral perfume hover over the glass. This hits the palate juicily, softly, and demurely, but then it spreads out a veritable magic carpet of captivating flavors, among which quince, fig, white peach, green tea, sweet lime, and raw almond are discernable. I honestly couldn’t spit it or put down the glass! I just hope something remotely as intriguing and delicious was rendered under this label from 2008.
Quattro Mani made its debut in 2006 with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo made by acclaimed winemaker Attilio Pagli. Quattro Mani [toh-kai], produced by the skilled hands of Movia’s Aleš Kristancic, followed in 2008. Tocai grapes are grown in Movia’s organically farmed Exto Gredic vineyard; the wine is made at the Movia winery in accordance with the biodynamic principles. Franciacorta, produced by the celebrated Franciacorta pioneer Emanuele Rabotti, joined the lineup in 2010. In 2011, Quattro Mani Barbera which is produced by the skilled winemaker Danilo Drocco who has been described as "One of the Great Names of Piedmontese Winemaking" by Robert Parker was launched.
Italian White Wine
The rolling hills and endless coastlines of Italy deliver a unique diversity of soils and climate to foster a number of regional specialties. With a multitude of indigenous varieties that thrive exclusively here, the selection of white wines offers a range of styles and flavors.
The most well-known white variety in Italy is of course Pinot Grigio. Typically found in the northern Italian regions, the light, fresh and easy-drinking options can be found in the Veneto region, while the richer, more complex styles come from Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige. These two northeast regions are also crafting delicions Pinot Bianco and a regional specialty, Friulano.
In Piedmont, two white regions shine. The crisp and zippy Gavi, made with a Cortese grape, and Arneis, a variety that produces a subtle by dry wine. In the Veneto, the Garganegna grape creates the wine of Soave, a zesty but medium-bodied wine full of rich stone fruit and floral notes.
Further south, you'll find the pretty and floral Falenghina, rich and tropical Grillo and zesty Greco. Head to Sicily to discover the delicious and complex Etna Biancos, made with the Carricante grape in the island's volcanic soils.
If you enjoy a tangy but textured white wine with seafood, head to Sardinia and try out the Vermentino there. The grape is also found in other Italian provinces and is always a delight.