2024 Cincinnato Bellone Castore (Lazio)

Delicate notes of blossom and mandarin pith dominate the bouquet here, while the palate is more almond and honey. A rich wine, but the acidity coming out towards the finish keeps it in the realm of freshness; I find it evokes Soave. Bellone is a rare local variety from Italy’s Lazio region – Italian wine authority Ian d’Agata calls it a ‘magical grape’. Italian grape growers call it ‘Pagadebito’ (debt-payer) because it can be quite high-yielding. Cincinnato have used it to make this joyful, easy-to-drink wine of interest and pleasure (NT 12/03/26).