12 Chiarandà, Donnafugata

CHIARANDA'

Type

White Contessa Entellina Chardonnay D.O.P.

Grapes

Chardonnay

Production area

South-western Sicily, Contessa Entellina Estate

Altitude

200 to 600 m AMSL

Orography

hilly

Soils

Clayey with a sub-alkaline reaction (pH7.5 to 8). Total limestone from 20 to 35%. Rich in nutritive elements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc)

VINEYARD

Training and pruning

VSP (vertical shoot positioning), with wooden stakes and stainless steel wires; cordon spur training, leaving 6 to 8 buds per plant

Planting densities

4,500 to 6,000 plants per hectare (1,822-2,429 an acre)

Yield per hectare

about 4 tons (1.6 tons an acre)

Vintage

compared to seasonal averages, 2009 was a somewhat rainier year, while temperatures were slightly higher but without excessive peaks and with big temperature ranges between day and night. The Chardonnay harvest began on August 10th, and the finest grapes were selected for the Chiarandà; the result is a wine of great complexity and elegance

CELLAR

Fermentation

in stainless steel at a controlled temperature

Aging

partially matured in oak (Burgundy barriques and tonneaux) for 5 to 6 months on its noble lees, partially in small cement vats; finally it is fined in the bottle for about 24 months

Analysis data

alcohol 13,39 % ABV, total acidity 6,6 g/L, pH 3.35

TASTING NOTES

Description

golden yellow in color; to the nose come scents of Mediterranean maquis, especially sage, well blended with the fragrances of ripe, yellow-fleshed fruit. In the mouth one perceives great minerality and persistence, with slight hints of vanilla and butter coming from a skillful use of wood. Resulting by a selection of the finest Chardonnay grapes from various parcels of the Contessa Entellina DOP, Chiarandà 2009 is no longer a blend. An enological decision in line with the excellence expressed in the vineyard by this noble white grape, achieved through the expertise of the technical staff, which, through targeted viticulture, was able to get the finest interaction between the variety and its terroir. A 2009 that is aristocratic, worthy of the reputation of this wine, at the top of the Donnafugata range

Aging potential

great ageing potential, over10 years

THE WINE EXPERIENCE

Food & wine

perfect with smoked fish, pasta dishes of the Sicilian cuisine such as pasta alla Norma (with tomatoes, fried eggplants and aged ricotta), mushroom terrines, sauces and elaborate white meat dishes, medium aged cheeses. Serve it in large, relatively tall goblets; uncork 30 minutes before serving; excellent at 11-13°C (52-55°F)

Situations

for special and formal occasions, we suggest it for your special moments like a wedding reception

Art & wine

the wine made its debut in 1992 as Chiarandà del Merlo from the names of the two vineyards where the Ansonica and Chardonnay grapes were grown. Ten years later the name has been simplified to Chiarandà and the label has been enriched with a female figure that suggests complexity and refinement

First vintage

1992