2014 Bio Vio ‘Aimone’ Vermentino

Price: $23Region: Riviera Ligure di Ponente < Liguria < Italy Grapes: VermentinoVineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic farming, 30 year-old vines; fermentation in stainless steel tanks; <20ppm added SO2Winemaker: Giobotta Vio The seaside region of Liguria is an extraordinary place, the land of quaint, almost Disney-esque, pastel villages and incredible food (pesto, focaccia, fresh fish, olive oil!) It is also one of Italy’s best kept wine secrets, a secret only because they produce so little, thanks to extremely steep and impossible terrain that is often struck by landslides. Vermentino thrives here, so close to the ocean, and absorbs the terroir in a profound way, reflecting the salty, mineral quality of the sea. In addition to a deep core of salinity, this wine goes a bit rogue with intriguing notes of passionfruit, apricot and Meyer lemon. Zesty but rich and palate-coating, it practically begs for something tasty drenched in olive oil. Giobotta Vio and his two daughters t