Winemaking dates back to pre-Roman times in Terlano. Situated in Northern Italy in the province of Alto Adige, Cantina Terlano was founded in 1893 by a cooperative of 24 wine growers. Seventy-five percent of their production is dedicated to white white and 25% to red. The vineyards are situated in volcanic on steep southwest facing slopes at elevations ranging between 820 to nearly 3,000 feet above sea level.

Radiant yellow in appearance, this generous wine offers up fresh aromas of beeswax, finely crushed flint and rocky minerality that greet you on the entry. Within is a wealth of charm showcasing notes of elderflower, orange blossom, mango and white currants drizzled with a touch of honey. The supple texture is complex and rounded leading you to a juicy and mouth-filling finish. This might not be what you expected from a Sauvignon Blanc from Italy, but it is a piece of craftsmanship and art that should not be missed.

By W Peter Hoyne