Cantele 2019 Chardonnay Salento IGT, Italy

Made in a fruit-focused and crisp style, these Chardonnay grapes enjoyed great exposure to the warm Italian sun while benefiting from cooling influences from the three surrounding bodies of water. This allowed the development of ripe and pure varietal characteristics balanced by refreshing acidity. Fermentation takes place at cool temperatures in stainless steel vats to allow for bright varietal flavors to take center stage. Once alcoholic fermentation concludes, the winemakers forego the secondary malolactic fermentation to preserve freshness and avoid any creamy characteristics in the wine. This leaves a refreshing and aromatic Chardonnay full of bright citrus notes and orchard fruit.