Chardonnay 'Cuvée Bois' Les Cretes 2020

The Chardonnay 'Cuvée Bois' of Les Cretes is a wine from Valle d'Aosta that originates in Haute Savoie in Aymaville, where wines of rare quality are produced. The winery is more than a hundred years old, since its first activity dates back to 1750: the great-great-grandfather Bernardin Charrère began cultivating a few hectares of land, concentrating in particular on the walnut mill. From one generation to the next, work progressed, adding the processing of olives from outside the region and the cultivation of cereals such as wheat, spelt and barley, in order to create an all-round and synergetic activity; it was the 1950s and it was Antoine Charrère who led the winery, making important and innovative changes and enhancing native vines and the potential of the land. Constantine is now the proud heir to all this history and tradition and works every day with an eye to the future and sustainability.

The 'Cuvée Bois' Chardonnay vineyards of Les Cretes are located in Frissonnière di Saint Christophe in the province of Aosta and the altitude is between 550 and 750 metres above sea level. The soil consists of moraine stone and sand with a south/south-east and north-east exposure, ideal for fully ripe grapes at harvest time. Winters are cold, snowy and often characterised by frost and sunny summers with sudden and consistent changes in temperature between day and night. Harvesting is manual and usually takes place in the second half of September. In the cellar, whole cluster soft pressing takes place, alcoholic fermentation in French oak barrels; maturing "Sur lie" for 12 months with weekly bâtonnsages. Maturation in bottle 12 months.

The colour of Les Cretes' Chardonnay 'Cuvée Bois' is an intense yellow with bright golden reflections; on the nose, it releases aromas of ripe white-fleshed fruit such as pear and peach, hazelnut, candied citron and banana together with hints of vanilla and mineral notes. On the palate it is dense, rich and elegant with a pleasant overall harmony that entices glass after glass. In pairing, it is excellent with fois gras dishes, black and white truffles, crusted and grilled red meat cuts; also interesting with the traditional Aosta Valley fondue. Perfect to be tasted on important or formal occasions to savour rare and genuine scents.