Vintage 2018 in Italy north to south

Some of my personal example of 2018 In Italy: 
The varying climatic conditions from the North to the Southern Islands kept the vintners on their toes. Rainfall and hail were particularly tricky to navigate in this year, but overall the producers are very positive about the quality, and generally higher quantity, of the young wines. 
Rabasco
The 3.5-hectare estate of Iole Rabasco is located in the village of Pianella, in the heart of Abruzzo. The area offers a unique micro-climate particular to this north-central corner of Abruzzo; the Adriatic sea 40 kilometers away while the base of Gran Sasso Mountain is on the western edge of the Rabasco property.  Iole the owner she inheriting her family’s small vineyards and olive grove which are never been treated with chemicals. Montepulciano with little Trebbiano 40 years average 450 meters above sea level. Vines are trained in the traditional "Tendone" style of pergola vine training, all worked by hands, also some examples of Lyre system training has been implemented as an experiment. Soils are calcareous clay mixed with alluvial sediment and fossil remains. There are 4 districts for 4 different interpretations each declined in the 3 types (Montepulciano red, a rosé, and a Trebbiano white). Also, there is the old fashion method of elevage in Damijan. 
I taste from the Contrada Cancelli the Trebbiano which has nice deep golden color, notes of spice and stone fruit, with structured acidity and level of alcohol so amazing 10,5%. lots of energy on the palate. 
The Cancelli Red a Montepulciano 100% does have a nice deep purple color with notes of matured cherry, along with hints of fresh meat, farmyard in an undertone. Savoury palate, present tannin, and salty body. Two great wines, very well executed, and moreish. 
Guttarolo
Founded in 2004 by Cristiano Guttarolo, the Guttarolo winery lies outside of the ancient hill town of Gioia del Colle on a 400-meter plateau 25 miles inland from the coastal city of Bari. There are about 7 hectares of vineyard, the focus being Primitivo, the most prominent local black grape variety. Cristiano has taken a different approach from the start. To begin with, his terroir is much cooler due to maritime breezes, slopes, and altitude, and rich in limestone, so the grapes tend toward higher acidity and more complex aromatics naturally. Then he takes a very natural approach in caring for the vines and the wines.  They work with biodynamic principles. The yields are kept intentionally low and the harvest is by hand in multiple passes. All of Cristiano’s wines are fermented in tank with natural yeasts and zero sulfur; aging generally takes place in the tank as well in clay amphorae for one wine; they are bottled without fining, filtration or sulfur and aged for 6 months before release. The end result of this gentle approach in both vineyard and cellar is high-toned, lively and balanced Primitivo wines, arguably among the most elegant and expressive of the entire region.
2018 Miro a 100%  maceration of destemmed Primitivo in stainless steel, crunchy notes of Campari and sharp pungent bitter element as pure cocoa, dark fruit savory palate, and super glou glou... Energetic and refreshing. 

La Morella 
A company was formed thanks to the love of the owner, Enio, for his land and his territory, strengthened by the love for nature, a recipe that led to the desire to produce with organic methods. Organic since 1985, the company has specialized in the production of wine (autochthonous vines of the Colli Tortonesi), but Enio also grows alfalfa and wheat (also following the biodynamic method), partly dedicated to the sale and partly for the nourishment of the animals on the farm. 
2018 La Corte die Merli 100% Fresia 
here to me, we are in the old fashion style of the Langaroli producer, oxidative notes through big oak ageing with tar minerality, dry stony soil and savoury palate with very silky tannins, a kind of rustic Nebbiolo nose without the massive tannins. A truly good glass of wines for a gamey dishes, or stinky cheese. 
Terpin 
Franco Terpin's cellar is located in San Floriano del Collio, in the province of Gorizia, a few steps from the Slovenian border. Franco comes from a family of farmers who have always been dedicated to viticulture. In the early 1970s, he took over the small estate of his father Darinko, continuing to sell the grapes. Starting from the early 90s he decides to change direction and make his own wines. If before the winery tried to satisfy the market demand based on quantity, now the philosophy wants to focus on quality.
The vineyards are born on Monte Calvario di S. Floriano, where the Stamas cru is also located. Here 10 hectares are cultivated with different grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, and Friulano the bannedTokaj (renamed Jakot upside down). The vineyards grow on the karstic soil of the "Ponka", rich in minerals and composed of marl and sandstone.
The wines are not clarified or filtered. They are worked with traditional methods and in full respect of nature. Fermentation is catalyzed by exclusively indigenous yeasts. The wines are the product of long macerations and an equally prolonged period of aging in wooden barrels. In Franco Terpin's agriculture, no synthetic chemicals are used, such as additives and herbicides, but only a wise use of low doses of copper and sulfur to tolerate the onset of downy mildew and powdery mildew are tolerated. The wines from the cellar reflect Terpin's soul and his way of conceiving nature. 
Quinto Quarto is the line more accessible in terms of time in contact with the skin. 
2018 Quinto Quarto Bianco is a blend of Sauvignon and Chardonnay. orange in color with notes of chewy dried peach and apricot, hints of peaty with a mineral tone as limestone, palate super fresh, crispy acidity and lots of tension. Super orange wine.
Graci 
Is situated on the North slope of Mount Etna at Passopisciaro town, with vineyards an altitude between 600 and 1,000 meters above sea level in different spot locally called Contrada Arcurìa, Feudo di Mezzo, Muganazzi, Santo Spirito, and Barbabecchi.  Planting density ranges between 6,000 and 10,000 vines per hectare. Some of the vines are ungrafted. 
2018 Etna Bianco 70% Carricante 30% Catarrato coming on dark-brown volcanic soil, compose on the sand rich in iron which gives high nitrogen content. The grapes coming from different areas Contrada Arcurìa, Passopisciaro, all in the village of Castiglione di Sicilia, at 600 meters above sea level in the northern slopes of ETNA. 
Super mineral wines here we do have the sulfite match stick minerality you find in great burgundy, the shellfish and oyster water you find in Chablis great nose and super vertical palate a very continental wine not far from Northern Africa. So good. 


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