2023 Anselmi Capitel Foscarino IGT, Veneto

Intense and brilliant straw yellow with golden highlights. The nose is warm and inviting, with aromas of juicy apricots, melon, and a hint of lemon balm. The palate is juicy, with lively acidity, medium body, and a lovely length.

93 points falstaff.com

Anselmi Capitel Foscarino IGT is a benchmark white wine from the hills of Monteforte d’Alpone in Veneto, crafted by Roberto Anselmi, one of Italy’s most visionary and uncompromising winemakers. Though technically outside the Soave DOC—by deliberate choice—this wine has become a reference point for high-quality Garganega, raised on steep, volcanic slopes and handled with Burgundian precision.

The fruit for Capitel Foscarino comes from the Foscarino hill, a dramatic ridge of basalt-rich soil that gives the wine its distinctive minerality and drive. Roberto Anselmi farms organically and insists on extremely low yields, harvesting the Garganega by hand and pressing it gently before fermenting in stainless steel and large oak barrels. The result is a wine that straddles freshness and complexity, texture and lift.

It opens with aromas of white peach, chamomile, lemon zest and almond, layered over a flinty, smoky base. The palate is textured and silky, with ripe orchard fruit, crushed rock and a subtle saline edge. There’s no heavy oak here—just the breadth and savoury complexity that comes from great terroir and thoughtful winemaking.

This is a white with serious versatility. Pair it with prawn risotto, grilled zucchini with pecorino, or chicken with preserved lemon and herbs. It’s also a wine that benefits from time in bottle—drink it now or cellar up to 6 or 8 years to reveal more nutty, honeyed depth.