Antonelli San Marco, Baiocco Grechetto, 2018 - Half-bottle
Antonelli San Marco, Baiocco Grechetto, 2018 - Half-bottle
- White Still
- 37.5CL
- 13%
- Organic
- Grechetto
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Fresh, textured, and wonderfully expressive, this Umbrian white opens with aromas of pear, white peach, and acacia blossom, underpinned by subtle almond and citrus zest. On the palate, it’s rounded yet vibrant, offering layers of orchard fruit and gentle minerality with a clean, persistent finish.
Antonelli San Marco is one of Umbria’s historic estates, located in the heart of Montefalco. The Antonelli family have farmed here since the late 19th century, and today the estate is fully organic, producing wines that reflect the natural character of their rolling hills and clay-limestone soils. While best known for Sagrantino, Antonelli also craft exceptional whites like Baiocco Grechetto, which showcase the region’s native varieties with elegance and purity.
This 2018 vintage is approaching its optimal drinking window, with primary fruit flavours now perfectly integrated with subtle mineral development. Over the next 2-3 years, expect the pear and peach character to deepen slightly while maintaining freshness, with the almond character becoming more pronounced. The wine's peak will likely be reached by 2027-2028, after which the vibrant fruit may begin to fade while mineral elements become more dominant.
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale straw yellow with brilliant clarity and gentle green highlights.
NoseImmediately appealing aromas of ripe pear and white peach dominate, followed by delicate acacia blossom. Subtle almond character emerges with aeration, alongside bright citrus zest that adds freshness and lift.
PalateThe wine shows excellent balance between roundness and vibrancy, with layers of orchard fruit unfolding across the mid-palate. Gentle minerality provides structure without overwhelming the fruit, while the texture remains fresh and engaging throughout.
FinishClean and persistent with lingering citrus and a touch of almond returning on the close.
Overall impressionA beautifully crafted expression of Grechetto that balances purity with complexity, ideal for near-term enjoyment.
Food Pairings
In Umbria, Grechetto pairs naturally with the region's prized white truffles, often served over fresh pasta or in risottos during autumn. Local specialities like torta al testo (a flatbread filled with herbs and cheese) complement the wine's mineral character perfectly. Umbrian lakes provide excellent freshwater fish like perch and carp, traditionally prepared simply with herbs and olive oil. The wine also accompanies porchetta, the region's famous herb-crusted roast pork, where its acidity cuts through the rich meat while its fruit character harmonises with the aromatic herbs.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve chilled at 8-10°C to preserve the wine's freshness and aromatic intensity. No decanting required as this wine is best enjoyed for its immediate charm and purity. Use a medium-sized white wine glass to concentrate the delicate aromatics while allowing the wine to breathe gently in the glass.
Antonelli's vineyards sit in the heart of Montefalco on rolling hills with clay-limestone soils that provide excellent drainage while retaining moisture. The continental climate brings warm days and cool nights, allowing grapes to ripen fully while maintaining fresh acidity. These soils impart the subtle mineral backbone that characterises their Grechetto, while the elevation preserves the wine's natural elegance and aromatic purity.
Umbria IGT allows producers flexibility to showcase native varieties like Grechetto without the stricter constraints of DOC regulations. This classification permits innovative winemaking while maintaining regional character, particularly valuable for white wines from indigenous grapes. Unlike neighbouring Tuscany's more famous appellations, Umbrian IGT wines often represent exceptional value while expressing the region's unique terroir and grape varieties with remarkable authenticity.
The 2018 growing season in Umbria delivered the kind of weather that winemakers dream about. A mild winter gave way to a warm, dry spring that encouraged healthy flowering across the region's hillside vineyards. The summer months brought sustained heat without the punishing extremes that can stress vines, while timely September rains provided just enough moisture to maintain balance before harvest. These favourable conditions allowed grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, with harvest beginning earlier than usual but proceeding at a measured pace that preserved freshness alongside concentration.
The resulting wines display remarkable harmony between power and elegance. Sangiovese shows exceptional depth of colour and structured tannins that promise excellent ageing potential, while Sagrantino produced wines of impressive concentration without the sometimes aggressive tannins of hotter years. International varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon achieved full ripeness while retaining bright acidity. Most 2018 Umbrian reds are drinking beautifully now but will reward patience, with the finest examples likely to peak between 2026 and 2035. The whites, particularly Grechetto-based wines, offer immediate pleasure with their combination of ripe fruit and mineral backbone.
FAQs
What makes Grechetto distinctive among Italian white wines?
Grechetto is an ancient Umbrian variety known for its ability to combine richness with freshness, producing wines with distinctive almond character and natural minerality that sets it apart from more common Italian whites like Pinot Grigio.
Why choose a half-bottle format?
Half-bottles are perfect for smaller gatherings or when you want to enjoy a quality wine without opening a full bottle. They're also ideal for trying new producers or styles, and this format ensures optimal freshness for wines best consumed young.
How does this compare to other Antonelli wines?
While Antonelli is renowned for their powerful Sagrantino reds, this Grechetto showcases their skill with white varieties, offering the same terroir expression and organic farming principles in a completely different, more delicate style.
Is this wine suitable for cellaring?
This Grechetto is crafted for relatively near-term enjoyment, showing best within 3-4 years of vintage. While it won't improve significantly with extended cellaring, proper storage will maintain its freshness and character through 2029.
What food styles work best with this wine?
The wine's balanced acidity and mineral character make it versatile with lighter dishes, particularly seafood, fresh cheeses, herb-based preparations, and Mediterranean vegetables. Its subtle richness also pairs well with white meats and creamy sauces.
How does Umbrian terroir influence this wine?
Umbria's clay-limestone soils and continental climate create ideal conditions for Grechetto, producing wines with natural acidity balanced by gentle richness, while the mineral soils contribute the subtle earthy backbone characteristic of the region's best whites.
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