Teresa Manara Chardonnay VT

Vineyard and terroir

The fruit comes from the same historic vineyard used for the classic Teresa Manara Chardonnay, planted several decades ago.

Grapes

Chardonnay trained on espalier with Guyot pruning. The grapes are allowed to reach slight overripeness and are harvested by hand into small containers. Harvest timing varies with ripeness and weather conditions; the precise starting date for each edition is printed on its label.

Vinification

The grapes are pressed gently to prevent their golden skins from darkening the must. The must is then cooled to 10°C for natural clarification. Alcoholic fermentation begins in stainless steel at approximately 18°C and is completed after transfer to barriques.

Ageing

The wine rests on its lees in French oak barriques, divided equally between new and second-use barrels.

Technical data

Salento IGP. A dry late-harvest white rather than a sweet wine. Produced in limited quantities. Serve at 14°C. It may be enjoyed on release or cellared for 8–10 years.

Tasting profile

Brilliant golden yellow with amber reflections. The deep, concentrated nose offers ripe tropical fruit, dried apricot, candied citrus, orange-blossom and Mediterranean wildflower honey, aromatic herbs, and delicate spices. Oak ageing contributes vanilla, sweet spice, and light toast, while resin, custard, and gentle smoky notes can emerge with development. The palate is full, intense, enveloping, and velvety, but lively acidity keeps the richness energetic. Its long finish is saline and lightly smoky.

Serving and pairing

Pair with grilled shellfish, creamed cod, foie gras, white roasts, or pasta with creamy or nut-based sauces. Salento dishes include roast hen with potatoes and olives, octopus alla pignata, chickpea and tria soup finished with crisp croutons, and focaccia with onion and capers. It also suits aged cheeses and mildly spicy pecorino.

Label / history

This late-harvest interpretation pushes the original Teresa Manara Chardonnay concept further through later picking and barrique fermentation and maturation. The changing harvest date printed on the label underscores the connection between each limited edition and its growing season.