Weingut Philipp Grassl Ried Rothenberg Chardonnay 2022

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Located in Göttlesbrunn in Lower Austria, the Grassl winery has around 30 hectares of organically cultivated vineyards. Their focus is primarily on red wines from the local grape varieties Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, and St. Laurent. In the cellar, a minimal intervention approach is preferred to ensure the full expression of the grape and terroir. The Chardonnay grapes come from the Rothenberg vineyard in Carnuntum, whose name refers to the red gravel that characterizes the soil and gives a mineral character to the wine. Here, the vines, about 20 years old, are surrounded by forest, which favors a cooler climate and a slow maturation that guarantees the full development of the aromatic character. After manual harvesting and spontaneous fermentation at a controlled temperature in barrels, the wine ages on the lees for about a year. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear color with light yellow tones with greenish and silver reflections. Its aromatic profile is elegant and delicate with notes of apple, peach, and lime followed by floral scents. On the palate, it is fresh and juicy, lively and medium-bodied with a well-defined and balanced acidity and a long finish that recalls notes of tropical fruit. It is an elegant and versatile wine that can last a few years in the cellar or can be enjoyed now with shellfish, Thai fish dishes, or pasta with seafood.

Price: £19.55 from 8wines UK