2012 Le Bruniche, Tenuti di Nozzole, Tuscany, Italy, Chardonnay di Toscana IGT

Located north of the village of Greve in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, the Nozzole estate covers a striking mountainous area of about 404 hectares, a third of which are covered with vines and olive groves.

The vineyard Le Bruniche of around 90 hectares was found to be exceptionally well-suited to grow the Chardonnay variety. The finest Chardonnay grapes are selected from the Nozzole vineyards at 300 meters in elevation. In order to obtain concentration and complexity, yields are kept low. The vines for Le Bruniche grow on one of the estate's highest hillsides, where excellent sun exposure and limestone and marl soils help to maintain an optimal ground temperature. Le Bruniche grapes are gently pressed and the juice is settled cold. The must is fermented in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature and stays on the lees for about three months. Malolactic fermentation is in stainless steel tanks and the wine is aged at least two months in bottle before release, with no oak contact.