Montenidoli, Vernaccia di San Gimignano (Tuscany, Italy) “Carato” 2009

($32, Artisans Wines, Inc.): Carato, another Vernaccia di San Gimignano from the exemplary producer Montenidoli, is fermented and aged for a year in barrel before bottling.  The winemaking here is so precise that you don’t taste woodiness.  Rather, you feel the effect of wood on the wine — it’s a fuller, richer version of Vernaccia di San Gimignano that retains finesse and vigor.  Uncork this one with richer fish dishes or fettuccine with a clam sauce.
91 Michael Apstein Feb 24, 2015