Ezio Poggio, along with his sister Mary and brother-in-law Marcone (“Big Marco”!), are specialists in Timorasso, Piemonte’s star white grape variety. Their family winery and organically-farmed vineyards are situated in the southeast corner of Piemonte, less than 50 kilometers from Genova and the Ligurian Sea. The DOC (appellation) is Colli Tortonesi. Libarna is the name of their southern subzone; being closer to the sea, it’s colder, windier, and higher than the rest of the appellation, resulting in wines with more minerality and tension. 'Caespes' is a blend of four Timorasso plots averaging 450 meters of elevation, aged in stainless steel tanks for eight months, with lees stirring to provide a little more texture. The wine is tangy, lemony, and flinty, with a honeyed edge and just enough body to give presence. Like most compelling white wines, it’s both immediately refreshing and more deeply satisfying. Drink it with seafood or spicy dishes, or cheeses from cow’s and/or sheep’s milk, such as the local Libarna specialty Montebore.
