Castello di Ama Al Poggio Chardonnay di Toscana 2020

The Castello di Ama 2018 Chardonnay di Toscana Al Poggio benefits from high-altitude vineyards (at about 500 meters above sea level) and the cool limestone soils of the Chianti Classico region to create this fresh, crisp and delightfully approachable white wine. There are Chardonnays from Tuscany that taste like Chardonnays from any other part of the world, and then there are Chardonnays that taste like they come from Tuscany. This wine is firmly in that second group. The distinctively territory-specific elements you get here resemble apricot and peach, with light dustings of Italian herbs such as fresh oregano and rosemary sprig. I also noted the pristine mineral notes that frame this vintage. There is a fun blast of citrus that reminds me of those sun-kissed lemon trees grown in red clay pots that you see all over this part of Tuscany.

Castello di Ama own 80ha in Tuscany, mostly planted to red varietals, although the calcareous soils and altitude of around 500 metres also enables them to successfully grow Chardonnay. This example, from 100% estate fruit, has a faintly tropical nose with some butterscotch and cream hints. The palate is striking for its elegant structure of mineral acids and subtle wood casing, with juicy - but not quite free-flowing - tropical and stone fruits within. This either needs time, or food, to open it up.

A fresh and clean white with apple, lemon and white peach character. Medium body, crisp finish. Yes. It's chardonnay.

Opulent and expressive, this evokes peach, apple, nutmeg and butter aromas and flavors. Vibrant and intense, with a hint of bitter citrus on the lingering aftertaste.