A few weeks ago, at the grand re-opening of D’Agostino’s Trattoria in Las Vegas, I was introduced to Fallendown Tree Vineyards proprietor and vintner Jeanne Burmeister. It was a busy night for Jeanne as her wine table was very popular. I enjoyed their award-winning and very balanced Sangiovese, Syrah and Malbec all from Monterey County, CA. Jeanne knew I was coming (Chef Brandi Thompson made sure of that) and had brought a single bottle of a rarely made wine for me to try: their 2023 Malvasia Bianca. Below is my review and more information on the winery.
2023 Malvasia Bianca, Monterey County, 13.5% alcohol
From the website: 100% Malvasia Bianca. Malvasia has a 2000-year history with Greek origins. Some sources claim that the first sightings and continued growth of the vines were conducted on the island of Crete. This wine is highlighted by elegant aromas of tropical fruit and white flowers on the nose. On the palate, flavors of apricots, almonds, ripe mango and pineapple are rounded out by a touch of honey at the finish.
Abundant daytime heat from southern Monterey County allows this varietal’s character to develop fully, while cooling evening breezes help maintain a solid acidity, emphasizing the intriguing tropical-floral elements, tremendous balance, and structure. Best served chilled.
EB: Greeted by the color of hay, then aromas that reminded me of fresh peach, apple, mandarin orange, orange blossom honey, and wet river rock. On the palate, I noted that the wine was zingy but not overly acidic, fresh, with a delicate and round mouthfeel, featuring some bruised apple notes followed by pineapple, and had a medium-length finish. We had tuna steaks that night, cooked in the sous vide and seasoned with lemon pepper, and the pairing was just perfect with the Malvasia Bianca. 96 Eve points.
(Update: Five days after I reviewed this wine, I stowed it in my refrigerator to have the next night. We ended up having houseguests for a few nights and I couldn’t get back to finish the bottle. Now, five days later, after only being closed with the cork, my husband and I tried it again. Still so very fresh, both the aromas and taste was just as good as it was the first night!)
I reached out to the Burmeisters for a quote, “At FallenDown Tree, we work tirelessly to produce the finest grapes grown on our estate vineyard. Together with our winemaker, Greg DiGregorio, we hope that you will enjoy these special wines and that you will taste the fruit of our blessings in each glass! Cheers!” Mark and Jeanne Burmeister.
Instagram: @FallendownTree
https://www.fallendowntree.com
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
