Cosima Grisancich
Today’s protagonist is Chardonnay: a very versatile white grape, capable of adapting to different types of climates and soils, for this reason it is defined as an international grape variety.
It is mainly grown in France, we find it in Burgundy, Chablis, Champagne; in Italy it is widespread in almost all regions, and is used above all for sparkling wine, but you can also taste excellent versions of still wine made from Chardonnay grapes.
The bunch is small, compact and cylindrical. It is a vine that matures early and for the production of still wines it is harvested by the second half of September (for the production of sparkling wines the harvest is slightly earlier to maintain a higher acidity). It prefers hilly areas with clayey and calcareous soils.
The Bessererhof estate has 6 hectares and is the southernmost estate in the Isarco Valley, located at the foot of the Sciliar plateau in the Dolomites. The vineyards extend from 350 to 900 meters above sea level and enjoy an ideal climate for the development of the vine: the cool currents of the Isarco Valley and the heat of the Bolzano basin favor the ideal temperature difference between day and night.
The Mair family, which has been involved in quality viticulture for four generations, has decided to dedicate itself to natural viticulture.
Specifically, the Chardonnay vineyards used to produce the Bessererhof estate Riserva are located 550 meters above sea level, on west-facing slopes characterized by deep sandy clay soils.
The grapes are harvested manually and delicately pressed after a short maceration phase. The must is clarified and fermented in 500 liter wooden barrels (1/3 new wood).
After malolactic fermentation, maturation on the lees follows for a year in large wooden barrels, subsequently the wine is stored for a year in steel and finally bottled. It stay in bottle for a further three months before be available for the market.
The color of Chardonnay Riserva 2020 is intense and brilliant golden yellow.
The nose is complex and multifaceted: tropical fruit, banana, pineapple, small pastries, vanilla and a light note of honey. The sip is large and full-bodied, very enveloping and with a long and slightly savory finish.
A Chardonnay that goes perfectly with tasty first courses, including fish-based ones, and white meat second courses.
