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Chardonnay di Salento IGT

• Country: Italy
• Region: Apulia
• Varietals: 100% Chardonnay di Salento
• Varietals: Single vineyard and vintage
• Alcohol: 14.0%
• Aging: Extended maceration of the grapes followed by minimum 9 to 12 months in French oak barriques (50% new/50% old oak) and refined 6 months in bottle
• Bottle: 750ml

Winemaker: Cantine Rizzello

Wine Notes:

The word Nottetempo translates to “Nighttime”. The night and its fragrances are the basis of this wine. From an innovative and revolutionary night harvesting method for these Chardonnay grapes, was born the rare wine which holds the freshness and flowers, and fruit fragrances concentrated by the grape during the cool night. This is why you find a rising moon on the small label affixed to the front of the bottle and as part of the winery logo.

The vinification process at a naturally low temperature produces as a result, a very wide and exuberant Chardonnay, of great delicacy and aromatic character, tasty, firm and dry.

From the renowned wine region of Salento on the peninsula of Puglia; the "heel" of the Italian "boot", this wine hails from the regions center of attention and well known wine producing district, and is an example of the high quality wines produced in Puglia. Chardonnay has a long history in Italy and was re-introduced by the French in the 16th and 17th centuries to support regional production in France.  Historically, it is believed that the Romans first brought the grape (called Gouais Blanc) from the Balkans, where it was widely cultivated by peasants in Eastern France. After returning to Italy, the grape was commonly confused with Pinot Blanc-often with both varieties inter planted in the same vineyard and blended together. By the late 20th century, more concentrated local efforts, mainly in Veneto, Puglia, and Sicily wine regions, were put into identifying Chardonnay and making pure varietal versions of the wine. Over the centuries, the grape developed its own distinct regional (terroir) characteristics and is now produced in many different styles; from the classic, elegant, rich buttery styles to the traditional and new world styles with tropical fruit flavors; like those made in Puglia and Sicily.

Winemaker Notes:

At sight, this wine presents a concentrated and brilliant golden yellow color with hints of green. The nose is generous and delicious with tropical fruits; papaya, mango, aromatic herbs, and a hint of almonds and vanilla. The taste is fresh, velvety, and pleasing, with a smooth vanilla accent, elegant structure and complexity, and a long, delicious and persistent finish.

This wine may be enjoyed for 3 to 5 years from release during which time it will retain all its fruit characteristics.

Pairing:

Pairs perfectly with any fish or shellfish, grilled, poached or fried, and simply by the glass.