Meeting Favorita

I tasted this wine at the last Food Expo, because I want to try a wine with Favorita in it. There was a bit of confusion about Favorita, not least because some authorities regard it as a synonym for Vermentino. However, it seems that DNA studies have shown that although it is related to Vermentino as well as Pigato, it is a separate species. Favorita is a large berried white grape mainly grown in Piedmont, where it is also used as a table grape. A late ripener with a good deal of acidity, Favorita has distinct pear notes and is more age-worthy than Arneis. Traditionally use to soften Nebbiolo in blends, varietal wines can be minerally when grown on warm sites, but responds to oak with more rounded mouthfeel.

As for this wine, which is Favorita blended with Arneis and Chardonnay, the wine was pale straw in colour with an acid nose accompanied by much fruity notes. The palate was off dry with less fruit but also a touch of lemon, introducing a good acidic backbone giving sterling support.