Chardonnay - Gantenbein - 2009

75 cl

Robert Parker 95 points

Alcohol content: 13.5 % vol.

Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Vinification:

Whole-cluster pressing, fermentation in open wooden vats, then 16-18 months in 100% new French pièces, unfiltered and unfined.

Tasting note:

Revelation. Fresh citrus flavours combine with a delicate creaminess. Fresh, mineral and incredibly elegant on the palate. Complex and refined in structure, yet with an enchanting lightness. The most beautiful Gantenbein Chardonnay ever bottled.

Gantenbein Winery:

On the edge of the wine village of Fläsch in the Grisons Rhine Valley stands a striking ensemble in the vineyards: the Gantenbein winery. Martha and Daniel Gantenbein have been making wine here since 1982. They knew that the vine was the decisive factor. So they planted Burgundy clones in their vineyards. They learnt: The grape must not lose anything on its way from the vine to the bottle. So they organised the business accordingly: Grapes and juice flow according to gravity, without pumping or filtering.

Five hectares - and thus the majority - belong to Pinot Noir. One hectare belongs to Chardonnay. And finally, Riesling is grown on twenty hectares.