- White Still
- 75CL
- 12.5%
- Chardonnay
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Aromas of crisp green apple, citrus zest, and a hint of fresh bread lead into a refined palate that’s light and elegant. Clean and vibrant, it finishes with a refreshing minerality that reflects its northern Italian roots.
Given a cold maceration on the skins before fermentation so that as much as possible of the fruit flavour was extracted from the Chardonnay grapes. Perfect as an aperitif or alongside light seafood and salads.
One of the leading private producers of DOCG Prosecco, Astoria are a dynamic, family-owned established by Paolo and Giorgio Polegato in 1987. Their wines are produced on the sunny Tenuta Val De Brun estate located in Refrontolo in the DOCG Conegliano- Valdobbiadene region.
This Chardonnay is designed for early consumption whilst its primary fruit character remains vibrant and expressive. Over the next year, the green apple and citrus flavours will integrate further with the subtle bread-like fermentation character, creating greater harmony on the palate. The wine's mineral backbone will become more pronounced as the fruit softens slightly, though it will maintain its essential freshness and elegance. Beyond 2028, the wine may begin to lose its characteristic brightness and crisp definition that makes it so appealing in its youth.
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale straw yellow with brilliant clarity and subtle green reflections around the rim.
NoseCrisp green apple and citrus zest dominate the bouquet, enhanced by subtle fresh bread aromas from careful fermentation. The cold maceration technique has extracted maximum fruit character whilst preserving the wine's elegant restraint. A delicate mineral thread runs through the aromatics, speaking to the wine's northern Italian origins.
PalateLight and refined on entry, with excellent balance between fresh acidity and subtle fruit weight. The green apple and citrus flavours carry through seamlessly from nose to palate, supported by clean mineral structure. The wine maintains elegance throughout, never heavy or overbearing, with each element perfectly integrated.
FinishClean and vibrant with refreshing minerality that lingers pleasantly, reflecting the wine's terroir-driven character.
Overall impressionA precisely crafted Chardonnay that prioritises elegance and finesse over power, expressing both varietal character and regional identity with admirable clarity.
Food Pairings
In Veneto, light Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the region's abundant seafood from the Adriatic coast, particularly sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) and baccalà mantecato (creamed salt cod). The wine's crisp acidity cuts through rich risottos, especially risotto di Go (goby fish risotto) from the Venice lagoon, whilst complementing delicate primi piatti like bigoli in salsa (pasta with anchovy sauce). Local antipasti featuring San Daniele prosciutto, Asiago cheese, and marinated vegetables from the Veneto plains find perfect harmony with this elegant style. The wine's mineral backbone also suits Veneto's tradition of pairing white wines with lighter preparations of polenta and seasonal vegetable dishes from the region's fertile agricultural areas.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C to preserve the wine's fresh character and mineral precision. No decanting required for this young, approachable style - pour directly from the bottle to maintain its lively effervescence of aromatics. Use a medium-sized white wine glass with a slightly tapered bowl to concentrate the delicate fruit and mineral aromas whilst allowing proper aeration. Open just before serving to capture the wine's vibrant freshness at its peak.
The Tenuta Val De Brun estate sits in Refrontolo, within the heart of the DOCG Conegliano-Valdobbiadene zone in Veneto's rolling hills. The sunny exposure and well-drained soils of this elevated terrain provide ideal conditions for Chardonnay cultivation. The continental climate with warm days and cool nights allows for extended ripening whilst preserving natural acidity. These conditions, combined with the mineral-rich soils, contribute to the wine's characteristic freshness and refined mineral backbone.
While Astoria is renowned for their DOCG Prosecco production in the prestigious Conegliano-Valdobbiadene zone, this Chardonnay represents their exploration beyond the region's traditional Glera-based sparkling wines. The DOCG Conegliano-Valdobbiadene area is celebrated for producing Italy's finest Prosecco, with strict regulations governing yields and quality standards. The same attention to quality and terroir expression that makes this zone exceptional for Prosecco translates beautifully to their still wine production, showcasing the versatility of this distinguished wine region.
The 2022 growing season in Veneto brought considerable challenges, with extreme heat and prolonged drought testing even experienced growers. Summer temperatures soared well above average, whilst rainfall remained scarce through the crucial ripening months. Many producers implemented careful canopy management and adjusted harvest timing to preserve freshness, with picking often beginning earlier than usual to maintain acidity levels. The lack of rain concentrated flavours but also reduced yields across the region, from the Prosecco hills of Valdobbiadene to the Amarone vineyards of Valpolicella.
Despite the demanding conditions, 2022 produced wines of surprising quality and character. Glera for Prosecco retained good aromatics and brightness where growers managed the heat stress effectively, though volumes were down. The red varieties fared particularly well - Corvina and Rondinella developed excellent concentration for future Amarone, whilst maintaining the structure needed for long ageing. Pinot Grigio and Soave's Garganega showed more weight than typical, with ripe fruit flavours balanced by mineral undertones. The Proseccos are drinking beautifully now, whilst the reds destined for Amarone production will need their traditional extended drying and ageing process.
FAQs
How does the cold maceration technique affect this Chardonnay?
Cold maceration involves chilling the crushed grapes before fermentation begins, allowing extended contact between juice and skins at low temperatures. This gentle extraction maximises fruit flavour and aromatic compounds whilst avoiding harsh tannins or excessive colour pickup, resulting in the wine's pure, elegant fruit character.
Why does Astoria produce Chardonnay when they're known for Prosecco?
Many producers in the Conegliano-Valdobbiadene region craft still wines alongside their renowned Prosecco to showcase their terroir's versatility and winemaking expertise. The same attention to quality and understanding of their vineyard sites that creates exceptional Prosecco translates beautifully to still wine production.
What makes Veneto Chardonnay different from other Italian regions?
Veneto's continental climate with warm days and cool nights preserves natural acidity whilst allowing full flavour development. The region's mineral-rich soils and elevation contribute to a distinctive freshness and elegance, creating Chardonnays that are more restrained and food-friendly than those from warmer southern regions.
Is this wine suitable for cellaring?
This Chardonnay is crafted for early enjoyment whilst its primary fruit character remains vibrant. Whilst it will develop greater integration over 1-2 years, it's best consumed by 2028 to appreciate its characteristic freshness and mineral precision at their peak.
How should I store an opened bottle?
Re-cork tightly and refrigerate immediately after opening. The wine will maintain its character for 2-3 days if stored properly, though it's best enjoyed within 24 hours to preserve its fresh, mineral-driven profile at its most expressive.
What glass should I use for this Chardonnay?
A medium-sized white wine glass with a slightly tapered bowl works best, concentrating the delicate aromatics whilst allowing proper aeration. Avoid overly large glasses which can dissipate the wine's subtle fruit and mineral character.
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