 
It doesn't happen very often to try an Italian Chardonnay so well made that makes you travel to Chablis with your mind...
Tenuta Santa Maria alla Pieve is the estate of Gaetano Bertani in Veneto. It is a 50-acre wine estate attached to an imposing medieval farmhouse. Despite its historic past, Tenuta Santa Maria is a modern estate when it comes to winemaking. Forty-five acres are planted to vine, with 20 dedicated to Merlot.
Decima Aurea takes its name from a local landmark, an ancient boundary stone (pictured on the label) which stands before the property. “Decima,” signifying “10” in Latin, denotes the property’s location: 10 miles from Verona. “Aurea” refers to a medal bestowed on Roman centurions who had demonstrated exceptional valor on the battlefield – in this case, members of the 11th Legion, whose epic feats in battle earned them individual plots of land, each measuring 800 meters x 800 meters, in this specific neighborhood. Boundaries of individual plots were marked by milestones, of which the stone in front of Tenuta Santa Maria, now capped by a cross of more recent vintage, is a fine example.
Torre Pieve Chardonnay is a spectacular wine which reminds of a very best Grand Cru Chablis. The Chardonnay is fermented half in stainless steel tanks and half in new French Allier barrels. After 6 months the two wines are assembled and refined for further 9 months. This wine has an amazing palate. It is dry, lush, very mineral and very elegant with notes of tropical fruit, citrus and vanilla. The finish is elegant, structured and incredibly long. This is definetely one of the best Chardonnay I have ever tried. Retail price is $38. A must try. |
