WTN: Two more Italian Whites

[Brad Ballinger]

2003 Elio Perrone "Clarte" Moscato d'Asti. Perrone makes two moscati -- Sourgal, bottled in the same vintage year, and Clarte, bottled the following spring. Clarte is also an old vines wine. This particular wine had a delicate mousse, and was muted overall -- no small feat given the ripe vintage. Moscato always goes down so easy for me anyway, but this particular wine was a cut above. Peach and honeyed melon flavors, a touch of mineral, all in moderately acidic packaging. Went very well with a baked Alaska dessert using pound cake and pistachio ice cream.

2003 G. Palombo Bianco delle Chiaie, Lazio Vino da Tavola. I believe this is 100% malvasia. It is also bone dry. Slight tropical fruit and floral tones on the nose along with a fresh, rainwater-like quality. I would prefer a bit more acidity, but the wine is by no means flat. Carambola and lemon flavors with floral accents. Crisp, with a clean finish. Very nice with a shrimp couscous dish.