Tappero Merlo Acini Perduti
Tappero Merlo Acini Perduti is a medium-weight, dry, still white wine composed of 50% Erbaluce and 50% Malvasia Moscata. The Erbaluce imparts apple and mineral qualities, while the nearly forgotten Malvasia Moscata adds tropical notes and softness.
VINEYARD
Designation
Grape Varieties
Type
Soil
Vineyard Care
WINERY
Fermentation
Aging
Alcohol
Certifications
AT HOME
Serving Temperature
Cellaring
Vino Bianco
50% Malvasia Moscata
50% Erbaluce
Dry, still white wine
The soils are morainic; mostly sand, with some silt and clay
No chemicals, herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers used. The vineyard, which was planted in 2014 is at 970 feet elevation. There are 1,800 vines per acre.
Indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation in 500 liter tonneau.
This is a multi-vintage wine. The Erbaluce remains in tonneau barrels for a year, and is blended with fresh Malvasia Moscata. Minimal sulfur added only at bottling.
12%
Certified organic vineyard with some biodynamic practices.
55°F (16°C)
5 years
Appearance:
Medium Lemon
Taste:
Grapes, peach, pineapple, green apple. Soft, broad with lower acid.
Nose:
Ripe green grapes, nectarine, pear, lychee, marshmallow, peach juice, acacia flower, apricot.
Pairing:
Savory cakes, vegetable risotto or pasta, mushrooms, Asian dishes, fish, bottarga, goat cheese, medium aged cheeses. Salty, smoky or high fat foods.
Why We Love This Wine
The origin of Tappero Merlo Acini Perduti traces back to a 1606 discovery of G.B. Croce's essay, "The Excellence and Diversity of the Wines that are Made in the Mountains of Turin." In this work, Croce describes a long-forgotten grape: "Long grapes, thick with long grains, it is good to eat and to make wine," referring to Malvasia Moscata. This grape was sometimes blended with the native Erbaluce to create a popular local wine style. While Erbaluce thrived and earned a DOCG designation, Malvasia Moscata faded into obscurity. Consequently, it is not recognized by the DOC and can only be labeled as Vino Bianco.
Acini Perduti is a mineral-driven, dry white wine with exotic notes that pair well with a variety of foods. At refrigerator temperature, the wine exhibits aromas and flavors reminiscent of Erbaluce, lighter than KIN, with apple-like qualities similar to Chardonnay. As it warms in the glass, the Malvasia Moscata reveals green grape, honeydew, and lychee characteristics, with aromas akin to Gewürztraminer. The palate is soft and broad, exhibiting medium acidity, while a bright mineral note lingers on the finish.
Tappero Merlo
Acini
Perduti
2020
Critics Review
This unique wine is a blend of 70% Malvasia Moscata and 30% Erbaluce grown 970 feet in the mountains of Piedmont. Aromas of chamomile, white tea, dried apricots and wild herbs pour from the glass. The palate shines with white peach and jasmine notes that give way to crushed stones and vibrant acidity. This is just a cool and delicious wine.
— Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast
About the Winery
Being loyal and respectful to your "terroir" is fundamental to reach original and authentic results. Protecting and saving what was donated to us by past generations is the strongest and most revolutionary act we could do today. These are the philosophies of Domenico Tappero Merlo.He wants to narrate the story of his land through Erbaluce, and now Malvasia Moscata. Acini Perduti translates to "Berries Lost" or Lost Grapes.
Images Courtesy of Tappero Merlo