Francesco

Mazzone (officially Azienda Agricola Mazzone Domenico) is a family-run farm in the Puglian hinterland. The farm covers 15 hectares (roughly 40 acres), of which 4 are under vine, the rest given over to olives and fruit trees. Of all the wine that the Mazzone family produces, only 10% is bottled in the spotlessly clean cantina under their house. Young Francesco took over the wine-making duties in 2002, acting as both vineyard manager and enologo. The total wine production is around 4000 bottles, all of native varieties. Vines are planted at about 2500 per hectare. They average 15-20 years of age.

We selected his 100% Malvasia, Immensus, for its healthy fruit, minerality and notes floral and spice notes. It's a lovely wine for a wide range of meals and, of course, it makes a delicious aperitif. For its price it is impressively nuanced.

Francesco has also produced an experimental version that sees some oak. At this point, the wood may be a little pronounced; we are keeping on eye on how he handles it next year.