Tenuta Olim Bauda, Chardonnay DOC, I Boschi, Piedmont, Italy, 2023

Producer Profile

Wine aside, Piedmont is almost as famous for truffles – those elusive, delectable delights that have to be rooted out from the depths of the forest.

Much the same might be be said of Olim Bauda – a secluded family estate that lies at the end of long drive off the busy Via Prata. Here the road gently meanders and continuously rises before the family home finally reveals itself amidst a grove of trees, though if you arrive in truffle season it is more likely to be shrouded in mist. The estate is run by siblings Dino, Diana and Gianni, all of whom have devoted themselves to creating fresh, expressive Barbera d’Asti and pure, scintillating Gavi in the most delicate, low-intervention way. Without doubt these wines, like truffles, are worth any trouble you might have finding them.

Viticulture

The grapes come from the "Boschi" vineyards of Olim Bauda located in the area north of Nizza Monferrato.

Winemaking

The selection of Chardonnay grapes generally takes place in the first week of September. The same evening the grapes are crushed, as per tradition, in the company cellar and the must is placed in stainless steel vats at a temperature of 8 ° C for a few days. It is then decanted for the start of fermentation, a small percentage is fermented in French oak barrels, while the remaining part remains in steel vats. After a few months of aging on the lees with regular batonnage, bottling takes place in the months of June / July.

Tasting Note

This has a fragrant and pleasant bouquet with fine hints of citrus, pineapple, and melon, softened by a subtle hazelnut and buttery note. Deep straw yellow in colour, it offers a sapid and elegant palate with excellent structure—rich, fresh, and persistent.

Food matching

Try it with tajarin piemontese or with white truffle, raw scampi, pizza with buffalo mozzarella or even apple glara.