La Stella 2022 Leggiero Chardonnay 750ml
The best Italian Chardonnay hails from the hillsides of cool climate regions of Northern Italy, most notably: Alto Adige and Friuli. Almost always made in an un-oaked fashion (Neutral large oak casks used partially for textural gains and nuance addition), it is a wine that expresses the pure minerality of Chardonnay with beautiful acidity and crisp fruit flavours.
The 2022 Leggiero made from old vines grown on our Eagle Bluff vineyard offers up a balance of green apple, quince, bergamot, and key lime. The palate is chiselled with a great burst of lime zest and tart pear. 2022 was a cool growing season and as such, there is extra crispness and finesse to this wine than in previous years where the growing conditions were from warm to very hot.
Fresh Oysters with Mignonette and a squeeze of Lemon is a no brainer. Steamed Mussels in a Coconut, Ginger & Lemongrass Broth is another winning combination. Also, roasted Butternut Squash with Toasted Pine Nuts or a Vegetarian Pasta with a Chunky Tomato Basil Sauce.
-- Winemaker