Marina Palusci "MILF!!" Passerina 2017

Wild aged orange wine from Abruzzo

Passerina (46-year-old vines, 19 days on skins, soft press, 12 months on lees in concrete)

Abruzzo, Pianella, ITALY

Don't let the cheeky name fool you this is a serious, contemplative natural wine with real depth and complexity. Marina Palusci's MILF!! (yes, those exclamation points are part of the name) is a textured, rustic and slightly wild expression of Passerina, an indigenous white grape variety from Abruzzo.

This fourth generation family estate in Pianella has been cultivating vineyards and olive groves for generations, now led by Massimiliano d'Addario with a focus on natural winemaking. The MILF!! comes from 44-year-old Passerina vines, with grapes undergoing 19 days of skin contact maceration enough time to extract vibrant color, tannin, phenolics, and deep complexity.

After a gentle soft press, the wine rests for 12 months on its lees in concrete tanks, adding further texture and richness. The 2017 vintage has now developed beautiful tertiary characteristics: pinaepple, dried apricot, honeyed nuts, chamomile tea, preserved lemon, and a saline, umami driven finish.

This is orange wine with real substance and age-worthiness. The extended maceration gives it structure, grip, and a golden-amber color, while the time in concrete preserves freshness and minerality. The result is wild, funky, and utterly captivating.

The name draws inspiration from playful local feminine refrences linked to the Passerina grape name, and from the wine’s distinctive aging process, though we’ll leave the rest to your imagination!

Pair with aged parmesan, roasted mushrooms, grilled octopus, miso-glazed vegetables, or rich seafood pasta. Serve cool but not cold (around 12-14°C) to appreciate its full aromatic range. A wine that rewards adventurous palates.