Anthium

A luminous straw yellow with golden nuances. A little reserved on the nose, some peach and Kaiser pear. More approachable on the palate, with a velvety texture, a very pronounced fruity centre, with an invigorating acidity, medium length.

A grape variety cited by Pliny the Elder and present in the region since Roman times, bellone here grows in the warm sandy soils of coastal Anzio, cooled by the sea breezes. Anthium is Latin, in honour of the town of Anzio, and the bellone grapes utilized come from 60+ year old ungrafted vineyards. After a short stint on skins, this was native fermented in stainless, where it rested briefly before bottling. More complexed on the palate than the younger vine Bellone, with layers of quince, wild melon, pithy grapefruit, pine nut, hay, all sculpted deftly by marine acidity, and vibrant on the bitter citrus finish, seasoned with mineral salts. Medium+ in body, at 14 degrees, but you'd never feel it thanks to the sea air. Impressive.