Felsina I Sistri Chardonnay 2023

Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Although the Felsina estate is best known for their legendary Chianti Classico red wines made with the traditional local Sangiovese grape, they have been producing this refined Chardonnay ever since the first vintage in 1987. The result of years of experimentation and research, the vines that produce these Chardonnay grapes are grafts from French clones that were planted on an area of the Felsina estate close to the Ombrone river. Each harvest the grapes are carefully picked and selected by hand before being pressed and fermented in French oak barrels. The wine is then matured in the barrel for a year on the lees and undergoes daily battonage to help create a rich, creamy texture and complex flavour profile. When the maturation period is complete the wine is bottled and rested for at least three months before it is deemed ready for release. The result is a deeply-coloured white wine with enchanting aromas of white peach, mango and vanilla. The first sip reveals a full body, firm structure and intense tropical fruit aromas along with hints of sweet baking spice balanced by a fresh acidity. The rich, buttery character of this Chardonnay makes it an ideal match for risottos, chicken served in a creamy sauce or hard cheeses.

Price: £16.98 from 8wines UK