Still very young, the toasty and leesy notes still a shade dominant, but with aeration an exceptionally wide spectrum of aromas emerge, from gentian root to exotic fruit via candid citrus. Stunning concentration and minerality that makes you sit up straight and pay attention! Super long and vibrant finish that has enough energy to carry this forward for decades. Drinkable now, but better from 2023.

This is the wine that best embodies the identity and personality of this iconic farming cooperative in Alto Adige. The 2018 Alto Adige Terlano Cuvèe is a blend of 60% Pinot Bianco, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. In the past, I have identified this wine as "Terlano Classico." But in keeping with the actual script on the front label, I have changed its name to Terlano Cuvèe instead. These three varieties reach enormous harmony and balance. The wine's texture is silky and satiny. There is plenty of support for aromas of tropical and passion fruit, peach, pear and sweet almond. It's another lovely pairing with crab or lobster. With 220,000 bottles made, this is one of the best white wine best buys in Italy today. - ML