Posted By Joel on September 8, 2010

Pavese Ermes Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle 2008, DOC

Liquid…is a substance that flows and takes on the form of its container.*

The liquid known as Pavese Ermes Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle flows through my senses. Smooth-spoken and talkative, it tells a mountain story, buzzing through my human form with impressions of nature’s purity, mountain air, alpine flowers, and a brightness one finds in the quality of light at higher altitudes.

In the high Alps, beneath where Mount Blanc casts its shadow, Ermes Pavese produces his wines in the commune of La Ruine near the town of Morgex in Italy’s Vallée D’Aoste. Working less than two hectares planted only to Prié Blanc, aka Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle, Pavese produces three wines: the Blanc vinified in steel, its barrel-aged version, and a sweet wine from made from late harvest grapes. A young winery established only in 1999, Pavese’s first vintage was released in 2005.

Pavese Ermes Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle 2008 is made of 100% Prié Blanc from high altitude [ 1200m ] vineyards. Reportedly, the high elevation had provided vines protection from Phylloxera: vines are not of American root stock.

Tasting Notes / Impressions:

Translucent, luminescent pale yellow-gold highlighted with overtones of granny apple green. Massively fresh nose of apples, lemon balm, grass and floral tones. A light and super clean mouth with wonderfully crisp acidity and laser focus minerality. The wine reflects the elegance of nature and the beguilingly subtle contradiction that is simple complexity. Good grip and length on a pleasingly tart finish. Modest 12% alcohol.

Food pairing suggestions:

Delicate white fish, especially baked trout; Spaezle, perhaps seasoned with mountain herbs; Knödel (dumplings) served with chicken gravy; Fontina fondue; Quiche; French-style jambon / ham, prosciutto; Cheese course/s, especially Fontina, Robiola, Brie. For a more eclectic table, this wine is a natural with delicate Japanese maki (cut rolls) and sushi, as well as courses of Chinese-style emerald green vegetables such as bok choy, summer “melon”, Chinese broccoli.

* from Thesaurus.com, liquid

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Categories: $$ ($25-$50), Valle d'Aosta, Wine
Tags: Prié Blanc