Sep 25, 2023

Chardonnay and Piedmontese white wines

Discovering Chardonnay and piedmontese white wines

The Piedmont region is renowned for its production of high-quality wines. While it is famous for its prestigious red wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco, it also boasts a rich tradition in the production of exceptionally elegant white wines. In this article, we will explore the distinctive characteristics of Piedmontese white wines, their production, and the main grape varieties used.

Still white wines: elegance and complexity

The production of still white wines in Piedmont is a synonym for great winemaking skills and meticulous attention to quality. These wines are obtained through the fermentation of grape must, followed by a bottle aging phase. The goal is to create wines that best express the characteristics of the grape varieties used, as well as the region’s terroir, cultivation methods, and climatic peculiarities. But what are still white wines? Piedmont offers a variety of indigenous grape varieties, among the most renowned of which is Cortese, used to produce the celebrated Gavi. Gavi is a fresh and vibrant white wine with fruity and floral notes. Another prestigious grape variety is Arneis, which yields wines with complex structure and intriguing aromatics. Piedmont’s still white wines are widely appreciated for their balanced structure and refined aromas. One can detect hints of fresh fruit, such as white peach and green apple, accompanied by notes of white flowers and a subtle hint of almond. Their complexity further develops with bottle aging, revealing layers of more intricate aromas and pleasant minerality. The artisanal production, the grape varieties used, and their aromatic complexity make them an ideal complement to Piedmont’s renowned winemaking tradition.

Structured white wines: power and elegance in every sip

Structured white wines are characterized by higher alcohol content (13° or more) and greater extract levels. They stand out for their full-bodied character and long-lasting mouthfeel. These characteristics are achieved through careful grape selection and meticulous winemaking techniques. From the first sip, their intensity is evident, with a richness of flavors ranging from tropical fruit to citrus notes and mineral nuances. In the mouth, their solid structure and perfect balance between acidity and sweetness deliver a long and persistent finish. But what are structured white wines?

Gavi, produced in the southeast of Piedmont, is a dry and full-bodied white wine made from the Cortese grape variety. It has a fresh and fruity taste with pleasant acidity.
Roero Arneis, a white wine produced in the Roero region. It boasts excellent structure and aromatic complexity, with notes of white fruit, flowers, and almonds.
Timorasso, cultivated and produced in the Tortona area, is a white wine with a golden yellow color and an intense and complex aroma. It has a structured palate with good acidity and ripe fruit notes.
Erbaluce di Caluso, from a grape variety mainly cultivated in the Caluso area, in the northern part of Piedmont. It produces a dry and full-bodied white wine distinguished by pleasant acidity.

Piedmontese white wines: the vinicultural heritage of the region

The wines of Piedmont represent the pride and vinicultural heritage of this splendid region. The indigenous white wines of the territory are renowned worldwide for their oenological peculiarities. So, what are the typical wines of Piedmont? Among the most celebrated varieties are Moscato d’Asti, characterized by intense aroma and a sweet, fruity taste, and Gavi, a dry and fresh wine made from the Cortese grape variety. Thanks to the temperate climate and mineral-rich soils, Piedmont offers ideal conditions for the cultivation of high-quality white grapes. Local winemakers dedicate great care and attention to the production of these wines, using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation.

Piedmont Chardonnay: a vinicultural jewel

Chardonnay is an internationally widespread grape variety, but it has found particularly favorable terroir in Piedmont to express its potential. The hills of Piedmont offer a temperate climate and a wide variety of soils, including limestone, which are ideal for the cultivation of this white grape. This results in wines of great finesse and elegance. But what kind of wine is Chardonnay? It stands out for its aromatic complexity and balanced structure. It can present notes of white-fleshed fruits such as apple and pear, alongside hints of citrus and a pleasant minerality. Among the Piedmontese producers of Chardonnay, Boroli dedicates careful attention and dedication to the production of this prized wine. The vineyard is located in the municipality of Castiglione Falletto, partially facing west and northwest, with clayey soil. Boroli Bel Amì Chardonnay is a straw yellow wine with an intense aroma and fruity notes reminiscent of apricot and yellow peach. It has a harmonious taste, with a great balance between acidity and body. It is an ideal wine for aging.

Differences between Sauvignon and Chardonnay: an oenological comparison

Sauvignon and Chardonnay are two widely popular white grape varieties cultivated in different wine regions around the world. But what is the difference between Sauvignon and Chardonnay? Sauvignon is known for its intense and vibrant aromas. It can exhibit citrus notes such as lemon and grapefruit, accompanied by herbal hints. On the other hand, Chardonnay offers a greater aromatic variety, ranging from white-fleshed fruits like apple and pear to tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. Additionally, Chardonnay can present notes of butter, vanilla, or hazelnut derived from oak aging. In terms of structure, Sauvignon tends to be lighter and fresher in body, while Chardonnay can be more structured and full-bodied. Depending on winemaking style and aging, Chardonnay can vary from light and lively to rich and buttery.

In summary, Sauvignon stands out for its freshness, herbal aromas, and lightness, while Chardonnay offers a greater aromatic variety, richer body, and complexity derived from oak aging.

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WINERY

The Boroli cellars, located in Castiglione Falletto, are the perfect place to experience the magical territory of the Langhe through tasting experiences and to enjoy an unforgettable experience of discovery and great wine.