La Pietra (2017)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and complex Tuscan Chardonnay with notes of tropical fruit, vanilla, and a crisp, mineral finish.
About this wine
La Pietra Chardonnay di Toscana IGT 2017 is a full-bodied white wine that showcases the unique character of Tuscany's high-altitude vineyards. On the nose, it offers an enticing blend of floral and tropical fruit aromas, including hints of acacia flowers and ripe pineapple. The palate is rich and velvety, featuring flavors of vanilla, butter, and spices, balanced by a refreshing acidity and pronounced minerality. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this wine develops a complex structure and a long, satisfying finish. La Pietra was one of the first Italian white wines to be aged in small French oak barrels, highlighting its innovative approach to winemaking.
About the grape
Chardonnay, originally from France's Burgundy region, has found a unique expression in Tuscany, Italy. In the 1980s, Tuscan winemakers began experimenting with international grape varieties, including Chardonnay, to diversify their offerings. The 2017 Tenute del Cabreo La Pietra Toscana is a notable example of this trend, showcasing how Chardonnay can adapt to Tuscany's terroir. The region's warm climate and varied soils contribute to the grape's development, resulting in wines that reflect both the varietal's characteristics and the distinctiveness of the Tuscan landscape.
Quick facts
- 🍷 La Pietra Chardonnay was first produced in 1983, marking it as one of the pioneering white Super Tuscan wines.
- ⛰️ The Chardonnay grapes for La Pietra are cultivated at an elevation of approximately 450 meters, contributing to the wine's fresh acidity and minerality.
- 🪨 The name 'La Pietra' translates to 'The Stone,' reflecting the vineyard's predominantly marl and clay soil composition, which imparts a distinctive minerality to the wine.
- 🛢️ The 2017 vintage of La Pietra underwent fermentation in French oak barrels, with 50% being new and 50% one-year-old, followed by 12 months of aging on the lees, enhancing its complexity and depth.
- 🏅 The 2017 vintage of La Pietra received a score of 92/100 from WinesCritic.com, highlighting its rich style and unique character.
Palate profile
Producer
Tenute del Cabreo, established in 1967 by Nino Folonari, is situated in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Italy. The estate comprises two distinct areas: Zano, located between Greve in Chianti and Montefioralle, and Casa di Sala in Panzano in Chianti. In the early 1970s, Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari introduced French grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, blending them with native Sangiovese to create the renowned Supertuscan wine, Cabreo Il Borgo. The estate also produces La Pietra, a Chardonnay, and Black, a Pinot Noir, reflecting a Burgundian influence in Tuscany. Additionally, Tenute del Cabreo offers luxurious accommodations through Borgo del Cabreo and Relais La Pietra, providing guests with an immersive experience in the heart of Chianti Classico.
