This is a pure expression of the little-known Torbato grape that is partially fermented and aged in barrique (or just 15% of the total is). I usually find that Torbato delivers reductive aromas of flint and has a dusty taste. But the hot-vintage 2017 Alghero Torbato Cuvée 161 Terre Bianche shows a lot of expressive tones with orchard and tropical fruit instead. Peach and pear transition to crushed stone and sweet almond, creating a nice white to serve with raw oysters or cherrystone clams on the half shell. Some 60,000 bottles were made.

The 2016 Alghero Torbato Cuvée 161 Terre Bianche is a sultry and sophisticated white wine from Sardinia. The Torbato grape is recognized for its slightly smoky or flinty aromas. You get those here but this wine is also characterized by ripe aromas of peach, lemon preserves, cantaloupe melon and honey. The wine's appearance is slightly veiled. Some 70,000 bottles were produced.

The 2009 Torbato Cuvee 161 Terre Bianche emerges from the glass with sweet mint, sage, ripe peaches and flowers. This shows lovely balance and focus in a mid-weight style. The Cuvee 161 could use a touch more depth, but it is quite pretty all the same. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

The 2008 Torbato Cuvee 161 Terre Bianche flows from the glass with rich, sensual layers of fruit. Ripe, juicy apricots, mint, smoke, French oak, minerals and earthiness are some of the notes that emerge from this relatively full-bodied, intense white. All of the elements are beautifully balanced as the wine builds to a round, vivid finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Sella e Mosca is one of the oldest and best-known wineries in Sardinia. Curiously, many of the estate’s wines rely on international grapes, something that sets Sella e Mosca apart from the vast majority of wineries on the island.Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

The 2007 Alghero Torbato Cuvee 161 Terre Bianche packs surprising punch for a Sardinian white. This richly textured, powerful wine exudes plenty of dense apricot and peach fruit intermingled with smoke, earthiness, honey and minerals. The wine reveals superb depth and balance, capped off with a long, persistent finish. Simply put, this is a gem from Sella e Mosca and a very distinctive expression of the indigenous Torbato. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642