The 2006 Sauvignon Quarz is a remarkable wine. Made in an opulent, soft-textured style, it reveals an array of mango, yellow peaches and lime peel, all beautifully framed by a persistent underlying note of minerality. There is incredible purity, detail and clarity here, not to mention an outstanding sense of harmony. This wine took quite a bit of time to open up but when it did, it was clearly a gem. In a pinch, I might give this 30 minutes or so in a bottle-shaped decanter. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Cantina di Terlano is a reference-point producer for fine wines in Alto Adige. This cooperative’s entry-level bottlings are reviewed in Issue 178. The top selections are regularly among the finest wines in Italy. Importer: Banville & Jones Wine Merchants, New York, NY; tel. (204) 294-4899

Quartz is one of the best, if not the best Sauvignon from Italy. The wine’s smooth density and elegant mouthfeel sets it apart: it delivers accents of exotic fruit, green melon and white flower and its natural sophistication makes it a perfect companion to lobster. ——M.L.(11/15/2008)—— 90