Marca San Michele 2016 PassoLento Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore

'PassoLento' is the top white from La Marca di San Michele. Unlike the Capovolta, which is fermented and aged in stainless steel, the Passolento is fermented in large oak barrels, and aged on the less for 1 year in barrel, then aged an additional year in bottle before release. This barrel fermentation and longer lees aging give a level of complexity and textural depth that compliments the typical almond, white flower, and green herb notes. There is a Chablis-like length and subtle viscosity in the mid-palate, with a hint of lemon, and impressive mineral structure in the finish. This wine is drinking beautifully now, and continues to evolve over several days in the bottle. Tasting on day three, there was still plenty of energy and harmony between the acidity, fruit and texture of the wine. Possibly the finest recommendation for the wine is the fact that the winemakers asked if they could buy back the inventory of the 2016 Riserva from Kermit Lynch Imports because of how good it was tasting when they recently visited the US!