Tormaresca Chardonnay Puglia IGT

Chardonnay grapes were harvested, brought to the cellar and gently crushed. The must was then chilled and kept at a temperature of 10 °C (50 °F) for approximately 24 hours to favor natural clarification. Alcoholic fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats at 16 °C (61 °F) to enhance the grapes’ aromatic compounds. Tormaresca Chardonnay was aged in stainless steel up until bottling.

Tormaresca is made up of two estates in different areas of Puglia: in the central, inland region of Castel del Monte they have Aglianico, and in the Salento peninsula of the extreme south-east, Primitivo and Negroamaro. Cabernet and Chardonnay are grown in both zones, giving the winemaker a broad palette from which to blend the very consistent entry-level wines.

Antinori only invested here in 1998, yet in that time Tormaresca has become a flagship of Puglian production: Pietrabianca is the Cervaro of the south, its freshness and elegance belying its hot-climate origins. All the vineyards are planted unusually densely, giving extra depth to the wines.