Massican
Annia Napa Valley Tocai Friulano Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
So what does it mean for a wine to be “drinkable?” We tend to throw that word around a lot in wine writing or criticism, but what does it really mean? For me it’s a perfect combination of seamlessness and deliciousness. Seamless in that there’s no single texture, flavor, or sensory quality of the wine that sticks out and calls attention to itself. Deliciousness in the delight of its flavors and aromas. The combination makes bottles disappear soooooo fast. Clearly I did not buy enough bottles of this wine, which offers a stunningly easy-to-drink melange of white flowers, Asian pears, apple, and pomelo pith layered over a stony core shot through with seawater. A blend of 48% Tocai Friulano, 41% Ribolla Gialla, and 11% Chardonnay, it’s one of California’s most iconic white wines in my book. 2018 Massican “Annia” White Blend, Napa Valley, CA. Go @danpetroski, go!
So what does it mean for a wine to be “drinkable?” We tend to throw that word around a lot in wine writing or criticism, but what does it really mean? For me it’s a perfect combination of seamlessness and deliciousness. Seamless in that there’s no single texture, flavor, or sensory quality of the wine that sticks out and calls attention to itself. Deliciousness in the delight of its flavors and aromas. The combination makes bottles disappear soooooo fast. Clearly I did not buy enough bottles of this wine, which offers a stunningly easy-to-drink melange of white flowers, Asian pears, apple, and pomelo pith layered over a stony core shot through with seawater. A blend of 48% Tocai Friulano, 41% Ribolla Gialla, and 11% Chardonnay, it’s one of California’s most iconic white wines in my book. 2018 Massican “Annia” White Blend, Napa Valley, CA. Go @danpetroski, go!
Sep 1st, 2021
Intriguing wine and pretty flexible with various seafood.
Intriguing wine and pretty flexible with various seafood.
Jun 21st, 2021Blinded by the light. There’s something ineffable about this blend of three grapes, that has seamlessly woven them together to be greater than the sum of its parts. Like an antique glass window shining in the evening sunlight, 48% Friulano, 41% Ribolla Gialla, and 11% Chardonnay meld into a synesthesia of sunlight, burbling mountain stream and white flowers. Pear skin, lemon pith, grapefruit and wet stones soar through a gorgeous arc, with small bursts of chamomile. Outstanding. 2018 Massican “Annia” White Blend, Napa, California. @massicanwinery rocks it, as usual.
Blinded by the light. There’s something ineffable about this blend of three grapes, that has seamlessly woven them together to be greater than the sum of its parts. Like an antique glass window shining in the evening sunlight, 48% Friulano, 41% Ribolla Gialla, and 11% Chardonnay meld into a synesthesia of sunlight, burbling mountain stream and white flowers. Pear skin, lemon pith, grapefruit and wet stones soar through a gorgeous arc, with small bursts of chamomile. Outstanding. 2018 Massican “Annia” White Blend, Napa, California. @massicanwinery rocks it, as usual.
Jun 15th, 2021Delicioso. Much better as it warms up. And a little overpriced but hey....
Delicioso. Much better as it warms up. And a little overpriced but hey....
May 27th, 2021
Honeysuckle, white flowers, citrus, clean, layers.
Honeysuckle, white flowers, citrus, clean, layers.
Apr 16th, 2020Lemon wrapped in ‘Good and Plenty’. Interesting. Lingering finish.
Lemon wrapped in ‘Good and Plenty’. Interesting. Lingering finish.
Feb 22nd, 2020
Outstanding. Maybe the best vintage yet!
Outstanding. Maybe the best vintage yet!
Mar 31st, 2020
Medium bodied white blend. Pear, pineapple with herbaceous notes on the nose. Crisp green apple, Bartlett pears, bright lime zest, reminiscent of effervescent beverages. Easy to sip, would be great on a summer evening. (Patty’s party chicken, sautéed green beans, side salad - on a Monday night)
Medium bodied white blend. Pear, pineapple with herbaceous notes on the nose. Crisp green apple, Bartlett pears, bright lime zest, reminiscent of effervescent beverages. Easy to sip, would be great on a summer evening. (Patty’s party chicken, sautéed green beans, side salad - on a Monday night)
Feb 1st, 2022
Note to self...less Overpriced Chardonnay, more wines like this, please! Impeccable balance... impressive weight and impact, gorgeous complexity. Tocai, Ribolla, and a splash of Chardonnay... the wine is more Friulian than California. Bright pear, grass, and stone fruit notes... long, savory, herbal finish. The wine sings with crispy grilled Salmon and simple sautéed broccoli.
Note to self...less Overpriced Chardonnay, more wines like this, please! Impeccable balance... impressive weight and impact, gorgeous complexity. Tocai, Ribolla, and a splash of Chardonnay... the wine is more Friulian than California. Bright pear, grass, and stone fruit notes... long, savory, herbal finish. The wine sings with crispy grilled Salmon and simple sautéed broccoli.
Feb 21st, 2021