Riccardi e Reale ‘Emotiq’ 2020

Malvasia gets a bad rap as a grape variety: too floral, too waxy, big-boned and flabby. This special type of Malvasia, however, called Puntinata, is smaller-clustered, with tiny berries and a complex character. Riccardi and Reale make theirs into a macerated version, lending it this amazing, crystal-clear copper color. Notes of golden pears, dried mango, with musky, almost almondine type qualities. A touch of bitterness on the finish and a strong rocky quality on the palate. Will be great food that’s spiced wit things like cumin, coriander, or paprika.