Marchesi Antinori, Bramito Della Sala Chardonnay, 2023

The Bramito della Sala is the estate’s 100% Chardonnay and its first vintage dates back to 1994. The grapes are from younger Chardonnay vines on the estate, sitting on soils rich in fossil deposits with veins of clay that give this wine minerality and elegance. The juice is only part barrel fermented, with malolactic fermentation lending a luscious creamy texture and flavour to the wine.

In 2023 this yet again shares much in common with the Grand Vin, Cervaro, with an impressive degree of power and finesse you rarely see in Italian Chardonnay. Bravo.

"Deep nose, with notes of white pear, yuzu, lemon zest and vanilla pod. Great lift and bite to the palate, which uncoils with a fine vein of grapefruit acidity perfectly balancing the generosity of the fruit, alongside the usual crushed rock / mineral character from this impressive site near the border between Umbria and Tuscany. This is always an over-performer and has lost none of its charm in the warmth of the year. As always, good luck finding a better Chardonnay for under £20 a bottle in bond."
Tom Harrow, Head Wine Guru