La Colombera Bricco Bartolomeo Cortese 2023

La Colombera Bricco Bartolomeo is a white wine crafted from 100% Cortese grapes sourced from vineyards in the Colli Tortonesi region of Piedmont, Italy. Inviting aromas of citrus and white orchard fruits with a hint of minerality. The palate is bright and fresh with flavors of lemon, sliced apple and honeydew rind, with just a suggestion of orange blossom and a mix of freshly picked green herbs. Light and refreshing on the tongue, with gentle acidity and a lovely minerally finish.

Led by oenologist Elisa Semino, La Colombera is a family run farming operation started by her grandparents, Maria and Pietro, in 1937. In 1980, her father Piercarlo took the helm and started making his own wine (for family and friends) instead of selling the grapes from the family farm, which, in addition to the vineyards, also grew wheat, chickpeas and various orchard fruits (including the famous Volpedo peaches). In 1998, he began selling wine under the La Colombera label. Today, Piercarlo remains an active member of the team, managing all aspects of the farming with his son Lorenzo, while Elisa handles the winemaking.

The family estate boasts 23 hectares of vineyards. In 2017 they acquired another 10 hectares near Sarezzano -- a whole hill of calcareous soil, perfectly suited for vineyards. Although not certified, they farm using organic practices and have not used weedkiller since the early 2000s.

All the La Colombera wines are made from estate-grown fruit. The 2023 Bricco Bartolomeo bottling is 100% Cortese, from vines planted in 1977 and 2000. The fruit was harvested in mid-September. Three hours of maceration at a low temperature, fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts. Aged five months on the lees in stainless steel. Cold stabilized and filtered, no fining. 833 cases produced.