More commonly associated with the bone-dry Fino and Manzanilla sherry styles of southern Spain, both of which are now witnessing a roaring renaissance, few are aware that two tiny regions, nestled along Sardinia's remote west coast also leverage the microbial powers of the fungal growth known as flor to produce wines that are at once intense, textural and supremely age-worthy.

Hang on, fungal growth? Microbial? Let's back up a minute...

Flor - Spanish for 'flower,' is a wine making term that refers to the thin veil of yeast that, under the right climatic conditions (cool temperatures, high humidity), develops on the surface of a wine, at once protecting the wine from oxidation as it ages, but also feeding on the nutrients within, imparting a unique subset of flavors and textures that become an integral and highly complex part of the final wine.

So while most of the world's winemakers are working tirelessly the avoid any unwanted intrusions in their wine, the miracle of biologically aged wines means that the flor, instead of being an accident to be avoided, is something that is sought, cultivated, and protected. The resulting wine is imbued with a distinct profile: nutty, saline, chalkily mineral, at once richly viscous, yet bone dry emanating layers of complexity that oscillate between the many shades of the grape in questions and a seemingly endless well of microbial complexity.

And while the sherries of southern Spain have seen a recent revival in the celebration of such styles, we are lucky and delighted to bring you two lesser known but equally as profound (and painstakingly time consuming) alternatives from Sardinia's sunny western shores.

These are true 'vino di meditazione' that likely fall well beyond the register of what many would consider traditional white wine, especially for those uninitiated in other flor-aged styles; but therein lies the beauty within this bottles. They are truly 'special occasion' wines that deserve the company of a great meal, or a wonderful plate of cheeses, but definitely a great group of friends willing to open their mines to something different for a night.
 

From now through until Friday, 7/12 we will be offering a 10% discount to our regular readers, and a 15% discount to our Biondivino Wine Club Members! Regular readers, use the discount code SILVIO at checkout to receive the deal, Wine Club Members, use the discount code COLUMBU.

*No additional discounts can be applied. Any orders from non-Wine Club Members using the Wine Club discount will be rendered void and refunded immediately.