27 May Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Langhart & Hill 2023 Ka-Le Malvasia Bianca, Dry Creek Valley

Malvasia is not a single grape but a large family of ancient varieties with a long and storied history in Europe. Within the diverse Malvasia family is Malvasia Bianca, known for producing highly aromatic, versatile wines ranging from bone-dry and crisp to sweet and sparkling. Aromatic yet dry, the Langhart & Hill 2023 Malvasia Bianca from Dry Creek Valley is lively, refreshing, and the Please The Palate Wine of the Week.

About Langhart & Hill

Langhart & Hill is a small-production winery based in Sonoma County. Dennis Hill spent 45 years working as a winemaker in the Sonoma Valley. With Langhart & Hill, Dennis and his wife, Melinda (Langhart), wanted to focus on crafting wines that highlight distinctive grape varieties and vineyard sites. The winery emphasizes balance, drinkability, and the expression of place, working with fruit sourced from carefully selected vineyards across the region.

Dennis and Melinda Hill own an eight-acre vineyard located on the site of the Hill family’s old prune orchard near the confluence of Dry Creek, Russian River, and Mill Creek, where they grow Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Their Malvasia comes from a vineyard located near the confluence of Dry Creek and the Russian River, just south of Healdsburg, an area where three principal viticultural regions of northern Sonoma County intersect. The site benefits from cooling influences that help preserve the wine’s freshness and aromatic intensity.

Tasting Notes

The Langhart & Hill 2023 Malvasia Bianca has a beautiful and captivating nose with intense floral and honeysuckle aromas, as well as citrus notes. On the palate, the wine is fresh, clean, and crisp, and dry (no residual sugar). There is a subtle mineral edge that adds structure and length to the finish.

Food Pairing

The bright acidity and aromatic profile of the Malvasia Bianca make it a natural match for seafood, light pasta dishes, salads, and grilled vegetables. It also pairs well with dishes that feature citrus or herbs, where the wine’s freshness can enhance the flavors without overpowering them. I paired the wine with herb-filled Vietnamese dishes. I enjoyed rice paper spring rolls with shrimp and the Bun Bo grilled lemongrass and sesame steak with vermicelli noodles and fish sauce, both packed with fresh herbs. The wine’s freshness enhanced the flavors and the aromatic floral notes paired nicely with the fresh herbs.

Where To Purchase

The Langhart & Hill 2023 Ka-Le Malvasia Bianca, Dry Creek Valley retails for $28 and can be purchased directly from the winery website.