Agricola Querciabella ‘Batar’ Chardonnay IGT Organic, Tuscany 2016

Chardonnay 50%
Pinot Bianco 50%
Batàr owes its complexity to a careful vinification in barrique that exalts the diversity of each lot. The wine matures on its own yeasts for more than 9 months, with regular bâtonnage. Fine and extra fine-grained French oak barriques are used, 20% new.

The legendary ability of Batàr to defy age and improve over time requires a careful combination of hand-selected grapes of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco, a punctual micro-vinification regime and patient maturation in barrel. The extended time spent on lees in premium French barriques allows the individual lots to develop their best expression. Only when optimal élevage is complete, the final blend comes together through extensive sampling. Further ageing in bottle, before its release, puts the seal on the layered texture that defines Batàr’s proverbial mouthfeel.

Since 2010, much gentler lees contact and reduced reliance on new oak have defined a distinct freshness and brought to the fore citrus and exotic fruit, with creamy notes now providing a beguiling background. No animal products or byproducts are used in the production of this wine, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Bright straw-yellow core with golden hues. The bouquet is broad, aromatic and seductive with aromas of acacia flowers, chamomile, yellow peach, yellow plum and melon. Hints of passion fruit and fresh pineapple with light notes of saffron and cedar.
On the palate, the wine is voluptuous yet elegant, showing great finesse. The mouthfeel is balanced, supported by great freshness. Tropical fruit repeats on the palate with striking minerality and a very long finish.

Decanter – 97 points
James Suckling – 92 points