Oltrepò Pavese DOC Chardonnay - Rivone - Cordero San Giorgio 2021

Rivone is a pure Chardonnay from the Oltrepò Pavese DOC, made from grapes grown at Cordero San Giorgio’s estate in Santa Giuletta. The vines are trained using the Guyot system, average around thirty years of age and grow on clay-limestone soils with exposures ranging from east to south-west. The name Rivone refers to the vineyard’s very steep slope, a demanding site that requires careful management and extensive manual work.

Winemaking begins with gentle pressing of the whole bunches, followed by settling in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Alcoholic fermentation then takes place partly in terracotta amphorae and partly in French oak barriques, while malolactic fermentation is carried out only on part of the wine. Rivone matures for approximately twelve months on its lees, with regular bâtonnage, and rests in bottle for a further six months. It has an intense straw-yellow colour and a broad, complex bouquet of ripe peach, orange blossom, vanilla, flint and eucalyptus honey. The palate is full, smooth and harmonious, with refreshing acidity and delicate savoury notes. Its structure and balance make it an excellent match for fish, shellfish, crustaceans, mushroom tagliatelle and white meats.