Casale del Giglio Satrico 2020— Lazio, Italy ($18.95)

Ever wish you had a white wine with the zesty acidity of Sauvignon Blanc but also the stony smoothness of a steel-fermented Chardonnay? That’s pretty much what Casale del Giglio has bottled up with its Satrico—a blend of 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Trebbiano Giallo. The latter grape, used pretty much exclusively in Italian blends, given its sometimes harsh astringency and acidity, is known for its mineral and citrus character, and those are certainly predominant aromas in this wine.

With a name taken from the ancient pre-Roman city of Satricum, this enticing white blend, grown an hour’s drive south of Rome, strikes great harmony with all three contributing grapes. It leads with a wet stone note of summer rain, but with green apple and lime added to the mix. In the glass, it’s a bright straw yellow, with more of that mineral content, along with citrus and a touch of salinity. It’s a hair below medium bodied with good length.

This brand new release at the LCBO offers solid value for those looking for a refreshing aperitif or an easygoing but elegant white to marry with light fish dishes. A well-made wine and a safe crowd-pleaser. 89