2011 Pinot Bianco Rarita

This is remembered as a hot vintage with dry winds from North Africa that resulted in early harvest times. Winemaker Rudi Kofler says it was important not to wait too long before picking fruit, otherwise the wine could be heavy and monotone. Harvest started on Sept 20th instead of October, as per usual, and by harvesting 10 days early, he was able to preserve the acidity and balance of this wine. The Cantina Terlano 2011 Alto Adige Terlano Pinot Bianco Rarity is a bit shy on first nose and takes longer to open. But with time, it builds in volume and intensity, slowly but surely, to come into full focus like the other vintages of Rarity tasted here. Following the Rarity winemaking formula, it completed malolactic fermentation and aged in big oak barrels for 12 months and then further aged on the lees in steel tanks for 11 years.

The 2011 Pinot Bianco Rarity entices with its rich notes of raw almond followed by dried flowers, incense, and savory spices, lifted by zests of lime and, finally, freshly sliced nectarine. This is soothingly round, nearly creamy in feel, with a silken wave of decadently ripe peach and green melon carried across a stream of juicy acidity. The 2011 finishes spicy and long, leaving the mouth watering as a minty herbal flourish slowly fades. While showing a warm vintage character, the 2011s balance can not be denied.