Chardonnay

The individual parcels (micro-locations) on Etna are called Contrade and the Contrada Passochianche (PC) is the Chardonnay Cru from the magic hand of Andrea Franchetti. As early as 2000, he had planted Chardonnay here at an altitude of about 900 metres with a high vine density. The 2018 vintage marked the debut of a wine that impressively reflects the sum of Franchetti's many years of experience on Etna. Like all Contrade wines, it has its very own personality and demonstrates very clearly how a grape variety gains its very own form of expression in different locations. Just 2,660 bottles of this fresh, characterful and salty-mineral Chardonnay were filled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant light straw yellow with silver reflections. Opens with notes of flint, then fresh apple, pear and some capers. Good tension on the palate, very juicy, shows well-developed fruit, long finish." Falstaff

"Baked apples and pears, laced with white flowers, are complemented by hints of raw almond as the 2020 Bianco Contrada Passochianche (PC) blossoms in the glass. It’s elegant and silky in feel, with ripe melon and inner florals that cascade across the palate, as a core of minerality and hints of spice reveal themselves toward the close. The 2020 tapers off incredibly long with a bitter twang, as hints of young peach and inner herbal tones fade. The Passochianche is just a baby today, yet it’s packed full of potential. The balance here is unreal. It hails from high-elevation vines planted in deep, sandy volcanic soils." Vinous

"A single parcel chardonnay from Contrada Guardiola that delivers a poised and focused white with depth and intensity. Crushed lime and mineral. Some honeysuckle." James Suckling

Pure Chardonnay in the finest Burgundy style in honour of Lidia, the mother of the three Rivetti brothers. Straw yellow in colour with greenish reflections. Delicate, buttery nose of pineapple and peach, with hints of stone fruit, jasmine and nutmeg. Multi-layered, creamy and dry on the palate, the beautiful mineral vein and subtly lingering fruit accompany this elegant Chardonnay into a complex and long finish. A delicious wine monument that will gain even more tension and elegance as it matures. SUPERIORE.DE

Sparkling, rich straw yellow colour, rich, complex aroma with a delicate, pleasantly creamy nose and the scent of vanilla, mango and fresh pineapple. Full, opulent and full of tension on the palate, juicy and salty, very elegant flavour, accompanied by a fresh, well-balanced acidity. The ideally integrated wood note and the fruity, complex body form a harmonious and impressive unit. The long-lasting finish is refined with a subtle hint of bitter almond. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautiful flint notes, meadow flowers and limes on the nose. Fine grip on the palate, herbal notes and fresh fruit perfectly balanced, white flowers, long, animating acidity, salty finish." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, pale straw yellow with light green nuances. Opens with a cool hint of mint, nectarine and gooseberry, some flint. Shows emphatically fresh notes on the palate, savoury, persistent, quite light-bodied overall." Falstaff

"The Alois Lageder 2020 Chardonnay Löwengang opens with an elegant hint of reduction, reminiscent of flint or burnt matches. It lifts quickly to reveal pear, quince, golden apple, honey glaze, vanilla wafer and saffron. There's a spicy side too, with pink peppercorns and plenty of glacier-like minimalism." Wine Advocate

"The Löwengang Chardonnay is an icon of Italian Chardonnay and continues to demonstrate the Lageder winery's commitment to producing wines of the highest quality. Aromas of spiced baked apples, Comice pears, candied lemon peel, white flowers and baking spices are present. On the palate, the wine is rich and broad, with a creamy texture and hints of vanilla and sweet and savoury spices. The wine finishes with the energy and pulse of the mountains, showing both the minerality and important acidity that gives this wine the structure for the long haul." Wine Enthusiast

"A rich white wine in a graceful frame, with a pronounced salinity that works with vibrant acidity to define the medley of baked pineapple and persimmon, toasted almonds and pastry cream, Meyer lemon peel and elderflower. Expressive and well-knit, with a long finish that reflects the spectrum of flavours and contains additional mineral and spicy elements." Wine Spectator

"Deep nose with a sharp mineral undertone to the complex flavours of white sesame, praline, grilled spices and roasted pineapple. Broad and savoury on the palate with medium to full body and a very tangy, engaging finish. Long, savoury and concentrated." James Suckling

"The Chardonnay Löwengang, which was first produced in 1984, is a prime example of the variety in Alto Adige. It comes from the best plots of 30 to 80-year-old Chardonnay vines in Magrè, near the winery, and is fermented spontaneously in barriques, followed by 11 months on the lees. The result in 2020 is a wine reminiscent of a Puligny, with a nose of flint and matches that introduces a clean and fresh, intense, savoury and persistent palate. The juicy complexity of melon, stone fruit and tropical fruit gives it a wonderful vibrancy and potential for medium-term cellaring." Decanter

Planeta's famous Chardonnay is certified organic from the 2022 vintage and exudes a large and rich bouquet with aromas of apricot, apple, lemon, honey and lime. On the palate, these intense flavours are paired with a delicate melting texture, fruity freshness and beautiful length. A Sicilian white wine at the highest level since its debut vintage in 1995. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of wood spice, vanilla and praline with lemon zest and ripe pineapple. Bright and creamy on the palate with a full body and a flavourful, spicy finish. Needs time to balance the wood. Taste from 2025." James Suckling

"The nose is savory but also floral, with undertones of herbs and of syrupy yet tart fruit, from cooked apples to dried pineapple. On the palate, rich flavors of lemon and almond paste both bolster and balance a more potent note of pineapple, before a lightly bitter finish." Wine Enthusiast

Unimaginably fine bouquet of ripe fruit, flowers, butter and brioche, wrapped in an elegant wood note, magnificent the full-fruity taste and the long, creamy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Golden yellow, clear and bright. On the nose notes of yellow tropical fruits, then vanilla, hazelnut, peanut, followed by light menthol notes, aromatic and medicinal herbs. The palate is pronounced and slightly mineral." Falstaff

Perlé Zero is a purist Trento Doc, which is concentrated on the essentials without any dosage. It embodies the essence of Chardonnay from the foothills of the Alps like no other sparkling wine in Trentino. Refined perlage with golden, luminous reflections. Clean, straightforward aroma of grapefruit, ginger and fresh pineapple, with hints of cumin and delicate herbs as it progresses. Dry, racy mouthfeel, very precise, then opens up with a fine spectrum of aromas, leading into a never-ending finish. The essence of a dry noble spumante and great Ferrari cinema from the first to the last glass! SUPERIORE.DE

Fragrant bouquet of light blossoms, peach and tropical fruits, slight hints of honey and minerals. Supple texture on the palate, very balanced, complex and with an invigorating mineral freshness. A very rare, remarkable Tuscan Chardonnay, aged for 11 months on lees in barriques. Chardonnay Collezione Privata is a real achievement, especially for its natural ability to present the purity of the grape variety and the importance of texture in equal measure. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Chardonnay Collezione Privata is a wine of unusual pedigree and depth. Lemon zest, dried pear, chamomile, white pepper and crushed rock give the 2021 a layered complexity. I particularly admire the sense of verticality in this wine." Vinous

"Bright straw yellow. Ripe white fruits with a hint of spicy oak, a touch of oatmeal and cut lemon. Focused and with a hint of orange blossom. White fruits with just a hint of oak that is very restrained. Gentle, citrusy white fruit flavours with a hint of creaminess, but the focus was clearly on maintaining freshness; something that is increasingly in demand as global warming increases. The wine is very drinkable but should become even more interesting in a few years." Jancis Robinson

"Attractive aromas of walnut, peach pit and vanilla with grilled lemon and sliced quince. Full and textured with a creamy mouthfeel. Structured and complex with nutty and mineral undertones on the finish. Rounded and long lasting final." James Suckling

"The Isole e Olena 2021 Chardonnay Collezione Privata has a very citrusy side with grapefruit and preserved lemon. These fresh aromas transition into hints of cinnamon and saffron, but the overall style is reductive in character. This is a medium-bodied white wine with a nice richness and salty, mineral notes on the finish. This Tuscan Chardonnay has a lot of character. However, the wine needs time to gain more weight and texture." Wine Advocate

"Bright, intense straw yellow with light green nuances. Opens with notes of hazelnuts and white asparagus, then pear and fresh apple. Fresh and clear on the nose, salty, opens very nicely, creates a wide range of tension, creamy on the final." Falstaff

You can tell from this white masterpiece that Giulia Negri spent some time in Burgundy, where she gained the tools for her still very young, but stellar career as a winemaker. What's more, this Chardonnay in no way denies the characteristics of the Langhe. The long ageing in small tonneaux on the fine lees and excellent grapes from up to 500 metres above sea level are the recipe for a taut, fresh and incredibly elegant white.

Bright light yellow with green reflections. On the nose, initially a floral fragrance, citrus notes and tropical accents, followed by a well-integrated and pleasantly subtle woody note. On the palate, it is again lightly fruity with captivating clarity and a hint of creaminess. A true Piedmontese white that dances like a border crosser between worlds and reveals its sophistication anew with every sip. SUPERIORE.DE

Castello della Sala has been producing one of Italy's most famous white wines, Cervaro, for many years. In recent years, it has become fresher and deeper at the same time, without the conservative, broad style that characterised older late harvest editions of this wine. On the nose, stewed apples, cream, notes of oak bark, mango and peach. The palate is full of tropical fruit with a fine vein of acidity and a precise mineral component. A long-lasting, beautiful white wine and rightly one of the most sought-after white wines in the wine world every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Castello della Sala 2022 Cervaro della Sala is based on Chardonnay and has a small part of the local grape Grechetto in the blend. The nose opens to a reductive note of flint or matchstick, but it lifts quickly to reveal soft orchard fruit, white peach and minty apple. There are delicately applied toasted notes with a hint of pecan or macadamia nut. To finish, you also get salty mineral notes that underline the extremely vertical or lifted personality of the bouquet." Wine Advocate

"Elegant and dense, charming and powerful, sophisticated, exciting and highly individual ... A distinctive cuvée of great white varieties with Storage potential." Michael Graf Goëss-Enzenberg, Weingut Manincor

Sophie, an aristocratic Chardonnay with small parts of Viognier, offers a clean, fresh bouquet with notes of apple blossom, citrus and brioche. Also on the palate the precise and classic style with balanced elegance and class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale straw yellow with golden reflections. A little restrained on the nose at first, then nuances of tropical fruits, slightly floral in the aftertaste. Fresh and juicy on the palate, drinky and with a fine mouthfeel, fruity and long finish." Falstaff

"Fine and creamy nose with lemon curd, minerals and fresh pineapple. Medium to full-bodied on the palate with bright, zesty acidity and a long, layered finish." James Suckling

"From the Terlano and Caldaro subzones, a Chardonnay with minimal involvement of Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc, notes of apricot, marjoram and orange blossom on the nose with a hint of cedar. The drink is iodine-rich, with a fruity return and floral sensations." Luca Gardini

Fragrant bouquet of bright flowers, peach and tropical fruit, slight hints of honey and minerals. Smooth on the palate, very balanced, complex and with an invigorating mineral freshness. A very rare, remarkable Tuscan Chardonnay, aged for 11 months on the lees in barriques. Chardonnay Collezione Privata is a real achievement, above all for its natural ability to showcase the purity of the grape variety and the importance of texture in equal measure. SUPERIORE.DE

Planeta's famous Chardonnay is certified organic from the 2022 vintage and exudes a large and rich bouquet with aromas of apricot, apple, lemon, honey and lime. On the palate, these intense flavours are paired with a delicate melting texture, fruity freshness and beautiful length. A Sicilian white wine at the highest level since its debut vintage in 1995. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of wood spice, vanilla and praline with lemon zest and ripe pineapple. Bright and creamy on the palate with a full body and a flavourful, spicy finish. Needs time to balance the wood. Taste from 2025." James Suckling

"The nose is savory but also floral, with undertones of herbs and of syrupy yet tart fruit, from cooked apples to dried pineapple. On the palate, rich flavors of lemon and almond paste both bolster and balance a more potent note of pineapple, before a lightly bitter finish." Wine Enthusiast

Troy is not a normal Chardonnay. Rather, it is the archetype of a Chardonnay, as Wolfgang Klotz, managing director of probably the most successful winegrowers' cooperative in South Tyrol, sees it. The grapes come from two selected vineyards in Söll, near Tramin. Not only does a Mediterranean climate prevail there, but also quite cold fall winds at night determine the vegetation. Both factors ensure optimal development of the plants and fruits. The berries are handpicked piece by piece and it is therefore clear to every wine connoisseur that this is an absolutely prestigious project of the cooperative. It is therefore not surprising that only 3,000 bottles of this vintage are sold in selected specialist shops and top restaurants.

Intense straw to golden yellow. Tropical fruit on the nose, a hint of camomile and mint, then fine toasted notes and a subtle nutty touch. On the palate, you can almost taste the proximity of the mountains, its clarity, freshness and intensity: exotic notes of yellow ripe fruit, then again some nuttiness and in addition again a beguiling liveliness and minerality, which ends in an equally long final. Chardonnay can be like this, chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"Very typical, smoky underpinned Chardonnay fragrance with yellow stone fruit, peach, delicate exoticism with pineapple and mango, supported by a smoky-nutty backdrop in which roasted hazelnuts and fine caramel bring Burgundy to mind again. Dense and full-bodied in the mouth with a creamy texture reminiscent of salty butter, wonderfully contrasted by the spicy-salty freshness that increasingly sets the tone." Weinwisser

"The 2019 Chardonnay Riserva Troy rises from the glass with enriching notes of hazelnut and custard before giving way to white flowers and hints of opal apple. This wine is elegant from start to finish, with ripe orchard fruits and sweet spices perfectly contrasted by salty minerality. The Troy is long and lightly textured, leaving an aftertaste of raw almonds and candied limes. Although a little hedonistic on the nose, the balance of this wine is a feast for the eyes. Cellaring should help integrate some of the 2019 oak flavours." Vinous

"One of the winery's top wines, the Cantina Tramin 2019 Alto Adige Chardonnay Riserva Troy opens a little slowly. It has had a long maturation process: 11 months in barrique and 22 months in stainless steel. With a little coaxing, this alpine white wine finally blossoms, showing orchard fruit, pie crust and baked apple." Wine Advocate

"Peach, pie crust, pineapple and mango crumble on the nose with hazelnuts and salted caramel. Full-bodied with a lovely buttery texture. Long and lush, yet with lemony freshness and saline undertones." James Suckling

"Brilliant yellow apples and lemon zest with a lurking wealth of toasted vanilla and lush, chalky minerality keeping the structure in check. Long and impressive." Decanter

"Intense bright straw yellow with green nuances. Opens with fresh notes of mint, then lots of clear fruit, pineapple and mango, some beeswax, very inviting. Extremely juicy and present on the palate, shows lots of tropical fruit, very appealing, well-integrated acidity gives tension, long finish." Falstaff

"One of the "untouchable" products from the Termeno winery's research. A lively Chardonnay, with a faceted nose, yellow plum, then rosemary, lemongrass and ginger. Notes of white pepper on the finish. The palate is tasty, with officinal fruity return and spicy memories." Luca Gardini

"Elegant and dense, charming and powerful, sophisticated, exciting and highly individual ... An unmistakable cuvée of the great white varieties with Storage potential." Michael Graf Goëss-Enzenberg, Weingut Manincor

Sophie, an aristocratic Chardonnay with small parts of Viognier, offers a clean, fresh bouquet with notes of apple blossom, citrus fruit and brioche. On the palate, too, the precise and classic style with balanced elegance and class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Finesse and complexity characterise this wine. Elegant on the nose, with very juicy fruit of quince, ripe apples and apricots. Light-footed and dancing on the palate, the stony minerality is enveloped by a fine silkiness, incredibly stimulating with a juicy finish." Weinwisser

"Polished, somewhat nutty and a hint of roasted aroma with fine yellow fruity flavours, a little herbs and hints of fennel and root vegetables. Fairly tightly knit, tart, finely juicy fruit, nutty, smoky and again hints of roasted tones, fine acidity and moderate grip, persistent on the palate, quite concentrated, mineral in the background, fennel and delicate herbal tones in the background, a little lemon peel, hints of pepper, good depth, despite all the power also has something playful, very good, firm and almost cool finish." Wein-Plus

"A tangy framework of tangerine acidity and salty minerality combines with flavours of persimmon, almond skin, dried white cherry, thyme and beeswax. Shows a biting liveliness and good concentration through the lingering, well-seasoned finish." Wine Spectator

Troy is no ordinary Chardonnay. Rather, it is the archetype of a Chardonnay, as Wolfgang Klotz, managing director of what is probably the most successful winegrowers' cooperative in South Tyrol, sees it. The grapes come from two selected vineyards in Söll, near Tramin. The climate there is not only Mediterranean, but the vegetation is also characterised by rather cold downdraughts at night. Both factors guarantee optimal development of the plants and fruit. The berries are hand-picked one by one, so it is clear to any wine connoisseur that this is an absolutely prestigious project for the co-operative. It is therefore not surprising that only 3,000 bottles of this grape variety are sold in selected specialist shops and top restaurants.

Intense straw to golden yellow in colour. On the nose, tropical fruit, a hint of camomile and mint, then fine toasted notes and a subtle nutty flavour. On the palate, you can almost taste the proximity of the mountains, its clarity, freshness and intensity: exotic notes of ripe yellow fruit, then some nutty flavours and again a beguiling liveliness and minerality that ends in an equally long final. Chardonnay can be like this, chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"A great classic with alpine character that comes from the oldest Chardonnay vines in the highest parcels of the Tramin winery. The interplay of warmth and coolness is already evident on the nose, with fresh pomaceous fruit, citrus and orange zest with a subtle smoky undercurrent. Grippy, relief-like texture on the palate, very fine grip, has depth, cool spice and stony-salty notes, focussed and long." Weinwisser

"Very promisingly reductive on the nose. Mineral notes reminiscent of chalk and graphite, delicate spice and fresh citrus fruit. Clear and pithy on the palate, with plenty of flavour. Animating!" Vinum

"Ripe peaches and mangoes with apple crumble, honeysuckle and cream. Full-bodied with a sophisticated texture. Creamy and delicate with fresh floral undertones and a hint of orange toffee on the finish." James Suckling

"An aromatic strand of graphite, lime blossom and spice winds its way through the glazed apple and apricot flavours of this lean, vibrant white wine, which shows a kind of audacious energy alongside a lovely balance. The fruit profile combines with notes of macadamia nuts, clementines, vanilla and stones that unfold on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Chardonnay Riserva Troy matured in barriques reveals buttery oak notes with French almond biscuits and patisserie. Sweet dried apricots continue on the palate. Pleasingly, it has good lift and a dolomitic character. Crumbled quartz and other minerals are reminiscent of picturesque mountains and glaciers. Serve this wine well chilled. Its fruity sweetness turns into a savoury note over time." Wine Advocate

From deep moraine soil with a high salt and lime content, Vigna Au first opens with flint and walnut and then beguiles with a complex bouquet of yellow, exotic fruits. Intense, juicy, with just the right amount of acidity, it has a maturation potential of at least 15 years. Just 2,000 bottles of this exceptional Chardonnay are bottled each year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm, dense and quite deep, still youthful aroma with noble citrus and pome fruit flavours, light, delicate tobacco and nutty wood notes and floral nuances. Also very noble, polished, firm and concentrated fruit on the palate, very fine, lively acidity, herbal-vegetable notes, delicate almond tones and floral traces, a little light tobacco and smoke in the background, has power but also elegance, deep and multi-layered, a hint of vanilla in the background, herbal nuances, chalky-salty minerality, still very young, very good to long, polished, dense finish." Wein-Plus

"Sparkling straw yellow with light green nuances. Finely characterised nose with notes of pineapple, banana and some flint. Shows very good tension on the palate, fresh, crisp fruit, present but very well-integrated acidity, lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"The 2019 Chardonnay Riserva Vigna Au displays a rich golden colour and offers thick-skinned peach or nectarine with toasted macadamia nut. This wine has a medium-bodied texture that flows smoothly across the palate with bitter almond skin and a lovely flinty note. It is aged for a year in small barrels and only 2,500 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"The wine is initially restrained, but eventually opens up and presents aromas of fresh red and green apples, lemon zest and a hint of oak. On the palate, it is rich but well balanced and fresh with flavours of quince and pear. This refined wine will reward you with a few years in the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

Rossj Bass - named after Angelo Gaja's daughter Rossana: Radiant golden yellow, fine bouquet of citrus fruits and meadow flowers with a delicate honey note. Elegant on the palate and of remarkable depth, complexity and length. SUPERIORE.DE

Piodilei has been the winery's white flagship since 1985. The grapes come from the single vineyard Il Bricco, which also produces the award-winning Barbaresco Crus every year. From the outset, Pio's aim with this white wine was to create a wine with the same complexity and ageing Storage potential as the great red wines of this region. Sparkling straw yellow colour. Complex bouquet of herbal spice, delicate buttery notes, flint, pear and sweet yellow fruit. Impressive freshness in the glass with a finely integrated oak spice and notes of pineapple and chestnut. A fresh, complex and serious white wine that is unrivalled in the region. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pio Cesare 2021 Langhe Chardonnay Piodilei is a terrific white wine, and honestly speaking, it's one of the most consistent expressions of the French grape made in Piedmont. Granted, the wine is out of context, considering the heavily red wine-focused identity of its surroundings, but it absolutely delivers on freshness of fruit, depth and carefully measured toasted oak nuances." Wine Advocate

"Love the aromas of cooked apples with nougat, honeysuckle and hints of wood. Full-bodied and very flavorful with a phenolic tension and focus that runs through the wine. Hints of pie crust and vanilla bean with crushed stone." James Suckling

Intense golden yellow, on the nose notes of banana, pineapple, candied fruits and a hint of vanilla, cinnamon and white chocolate. Fruity on the palate, very rich and dense with a balanced acidity structure, tones of ripe fruit in the finish. A wonderful Sicilian Chardonnay that perfectly combines the refinement of the international grape variety with the charm of the Mediterranean climate. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Chardonnay Vigna San Francesco is luxuriously rich while painting within the lines of refinement, as gingery spice, crushed oyster shells, Italian buttercream and citrus-tinged pear form its seductive bouquet. This communicates a sense of opulence, but also harmony on the palate, casting silky, medium-weight textures across the senses, with mineral-tinged orchard fruits and pretty inner florals that cascade throughout. There’s a sweet and sour interplay that lingers through the finale, as zesty green citrus and hints of Granny Smith apple slowly fade. There is simply so much pleasure to be had from this immaculately balanced Sicilian Chardonnay." Vinous

Bright golden colour, explosive aromas of quince, honey, wax, granite, blood orange, vanilla, white chocolate and straw on the full bouquet. On the palate, initial notes of roasted cashew and almond, followed by fruits such as white peach, pear and citrus. Exciting and very multi-faceted. SUPERIORE.DE

"The organic Monteverro 2020 Chardonnay offers a soft and supple character with orchard fruit, quince, pear and mild spice. This wine has a Burgundian quality, especially in terms of mouthfeel and texture, but it reveals its Italian roots thanks to the electric and vibrant notes of citrus and Mediterranean herbs that also appear." Wine Advocate

"Nice, toasty spice with ripe white peaches and mangoes, as well as walnuts and dried summer herbs. Also some freshly baked bread crust. Full-bodied, creamy and mouth-filling. The clean acidity comes through well with its phenolic and mineral nature. I like the racy cut of the spicy herbs on the finish." James Suckling

"Multi-layered nose of peaches, pome fruit, pineapple, sweet spices; of engaging salty minerality on the palate, but also plenty of polish and spice, long as an ell with verve and yet also character. Great wine!" Vinum

From deep moraine soil with a high salt and lime content, Vigna Au first opens with flint and walnut and then beguiles with a complex bouquet of yellow, exotic fruits. Intense, juicy, with just the right amount of acidity, it has a maturation potential of at least 15 years. Just 2,000 bottles of this exceptional Chardonnay are bottled each year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Vigna Au lies at a relatively low altitude of 300 metres above sea level in Kurtatsch-Margreid. Great aromas, with very clear citrus fruit and flavours of yellow fruit, paired with fine oak spice. Also mineral notes reminiscent of graphite and salt. Extremely juicy, clear and animating on the palate. Pithy final." Vinum

"The 2020 Chardonnay Riserva Vigna AU blends rich notes of almond custard and confectionary spice with an invigorating blend of crushed green apples and lime zest. Luxuriously round and supple, the 2020 flows across the palate with masses of mineral-tinged orchard fruits offset by sour citrus. Lightly structured yet full of zesty tension, the 2020 finishes long with a caking of saline tension that resonates." Vinous

Sparkling, rich straw yellow colour, rich, complex aroma with a delicate, pleasantly creamy nose and the scent of vanilla, mango and fresh pineapple. Full, opulent and full of tension on the palate, juicy and salty, very elegant flavour, accompanied by a fresh, well-balanced acidity. The ideally integrated wood note and the fruity, complex body form a harmonious and impressive unit. The long-lasting finish is refined with a subtle hint of bitter almond. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautiful flint notes, meadow flowers and limes on the nose. Fine grip on the palate, herbal notes and fresh fruit perfectly balanced, white flowers, long, animating acidity, salty finish." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, pale straw yellow with light green nuances. Opens with a cool hint of mint, nectarine and gooseberry, some flint. Shows emphatically fresh notes on the palate, savoury, persistent, quite light-bodied overall." Falstaff

"The Alois Lageder 2020 Chardonnay Löwengang opens to a classy touch of reduction that recalls flint or struck match. It lifts quickly to reveal pear, quince, golden apple, honey glaze, vanilla wafer and saffron. There is a spicy side as well, with pink peppercorn and lots of glacier-like minimality." Wine Advocate

"The Löwengang Chardonnay is an icon of Italian Chardonnay and continues to demonstrate the Lageder winery's commitment to producing wines of the highest quality. Aromas of spiced baked apples, Comice pears, candied lemon peel, white flowers and baking spices are present. On the palate, the wine is rich and broad, with a creamy texture and hints of vanilla and sweet and savoury spices. The wine finishes with the energy and pulse of the mountains, showing both the minerality and important acidity that gives this wine the structure for the long haul." Wine Enthusiast

"A rich white wine in a graceful frame, with a pronounced salinity that works with vibrant acidity to define the medley of baked pineapple and persimmon, toasted almonds and pastry cream, Meyer lemon peel and elderflower. Expressive and well-knit, with a long finish that reflects the spectrum of flavours and contains additional mineral and spicy elements." Wine Spectator

"Deep nose with a sharp mineral undertone to the complex flavours of white sesame, praline, grilled spices and roasted pineapple. Broad and savoury on the palate with medium to full body and a very tangy, engaging finish. Long, savoury and concentrated." James Suckling

"The Chardonnay Löwengang, which was first produced in 1984, is a prime example of the variety in Alto Adige. It comes from the best plots of 30 to 80-year-old Chardonnay vines in Magrè, near the winery, and is fermented spontaneously in barriques, followed by 11 months on the lees. The result in 2020 is a wine reminiscent of a Puligny, with a nose of flint and matches that introduces a clean and fresh, intense, savoury and persistent palate. The juicy complexity of melon, stone fruit and tropical fruit gives it a wonderful vibrancy and potential for medium-term cellaring." Decanter

Planeta's famous Chardonnay exudes a large and rich bouquet with aromas of apricot, apple, lemon, honey and lime. On the palate, these same intense flavours, a delicate melting texture paired with fruity freshness and beautiful length. A Sicilian white wine at the highest level. SUPERIORE.DE

"One of Sicily's most famous white wines, Planeta Chardonnay, has been produced in the village of Menfi since 1995. It is a modern wine that is fermented and aged for at least 12 months in French oak (40% new). This latest edition has quite tropical notes of pineapple, melon and warm peach stones, white flowers, juicy citrus fruits and vanilla spices from the oak. Powerful, but with elegance." Decanter

"The 2021 Chardonnay opens with a tantalising burst of tropical citrus and fruit intermingled with mango, papaya, kiwi and lime, accented by sweet mint. The palate is soft and structured, enlivened by a hint of zesty acidity that further emphasises the mineral fruit of the orchard. The 2021 lingers incredibly long, almost saline, with a palpable layer of residual concentration, while hints of almond custard and white flowers emphasise the experience." Vinous

"Shows a sweet, smoky waft of canelé as an enticing entry point, quickly transitioning on the palate to reveal a clean-cut, focused mix of ripe apple and yellow plum fruit, mandarin orange peel, salted almond and ground ginger notes that linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

Planeta's famous Chardonnay is certified organic from the 2022 vintage and exudes a large and rich bouquet with aromas of apricot, apple, lemon, honey and lime. On the palate, these intense flavours are paired with a delicate melting texture, fruity freshness and beautiful length. A Sicilian white wine at the highest level since its debut vintage in 1995. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of wood spice, vanilla and praline with lemon zest and ripe pineapple. Bright and creamy on the palate with a full body and a flavourful, spicy finish. Needs time to balance the wood. Taste from 2025." James Suckling

"The nose is savory but also floral, with undertones of herbs and of syrupy yet tart fruit, from cooked apples to dried pineapple. On the palate, rich flavors of lemon and almond paste both bolster and balance a more potent note of pineapple, before a lightly bitter finish." Wine Enthusiast