Piemonte produces some of the finest, most Burgundian, examples of Chardonay in Italy. This is one of the best - a complex barrel-aged style, and one of Italy's finest examples of the grape.
Ripe, honeyed style with perfectly integrated fruit and oak, and notes of hazelnut. A generous silky mouth feel is nuanced and savoury with fine citrus and stone fruit characters and taut acidity. Layered and complex with notable use of oak giving an elegant style with appealing weight and minerality. Perfectly balanced, with considerable length.
Marchesi di Grésy has long been recognised as one of Piemonte's top producers.
With four separate estates across Langhe and Monferrato - home of Piemonte's greatest wines -Marchesi di Grésy has 45 hectares of vineyards, with 11 ha dedicated to the production of Nebbiolo for its flagship Barbarescos, Martinenga Camp Gros and Martinenga Gaiun.
This breathtaking natural amphitheatre surrounding the winery has been exclusively owned by the di Grésy family since 1797. It is here that grapes from each of the estates are taken to be vinified.Alberto di Grésy owns and manages the estate. In 1973 he began production of wines under the di Grésy name - vinifying their own estate grapes rather than selling to other local producers as in the past. His philosophy is simple but effective; to produce wines using the best available technology that respect tradition and promote the character and personality of the terrain and grape variety.
The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from two parcels of vines. One is in Barbaresco, just below Martinenga, facing south-west at an altitude of 230m. The second is on the north-east side of Monte Aribaldo in the commune of Treiso, 370 metres above sea level.
Destemming and pressing of grapes is followed by a cold settling of the must at a low temperature in stainless steel. Then fermentation in all new French (Allier) oak barriques for around 22 months. Further ageing in bottle before release.
This rich, ripe style is versatile - and will partner full flavoured dishes, such as chicken in creamy mushroom and white wine sauce.
