Chardonnay 'Saleit' Cantina di Caldaro Kaltern 2021

Cantina di Caldaro Kaltern's Chardonnay "Saleit" is born in the beautiful Alto Adige landscape. We are in Caldaro near the lake of the same name, and the winery has century-old origins, having started its activity in the early 1900s. Important historical moments have provided the backdrop, such as the separation of Alto Adige from Austria, economic crises, and the restart revaluing of the wine landscape. Over the past century, there have been various ownerships and often mergers that have enriched production. In the early twenty-first century, this reality became a wine cooperative, which today counts 650 members and land holdings that extend to 450 hectares.

Cantina di Caldaro Kaltern's Chardonnay "Saleit" vineyards have an average age ranging from 10 to 20 years. The soils are predominantly hilly, and the altitude reaches 450 meters above sea level. The south-facing exposure is optimal, allowing the vineyards to be bathed in sunlight for much of the year, ensuring perfect ripening at harvest time. The soil is primarily limestone, clay, and sandy, resulting in a structured and characterful final product. Harvesting is done manually in the first ten days of September and usually concludes in mid-October. The clusters are de-stemmed in the cellar, followed by a cold maceration for 10-18 hours, gentle pressing, and a slow alcoholic fermentation. It matures for 5 months on fine lees in wooden barrels and is bottled the following March.

The colour of Cantina di Caldaro Kaltern's Chardonnay "Saleit" is an intense straw yellow with bright reflections. On the nose, it releases aromas of exotic fruits like mango, ripe pineapple, and yellow peach, while spicy hints of vanilla dominate on the finish. In the mouth, it is creamy, enveloping, and full-bodied, with a pleasantly persistent finish that invites further sips. It pairs perfectly with raw, smoked, or steamed fish dishes and first courses dressed with light sauces. It is an excellent wine that delights summer romantic dinners by the sea, savouring the authentic flavour of the Alto Adige region, among its finest expressions.