About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Cru Benefizio was established in 1973 at Castello Pomino, 700 m above sea level. The south-facing vineyard has predominantly sandy soil and is surrounded by old fir and sequoia woods. Chardonnay has been planted in this part of Pomino since 1855. The steep mountain setting is characterised by cooler summers and snowy winters, although no snow was recorded during the mild winter preceding the 2024 vintage.
Grapes
Chardonnay.
Vinification
The grapes were picked by hand into crates and pressed very softly. The clear must was clarified further through cold settling, then transferred to barriques, divided equally between new barrels and first-fill barrels. Alcoholic fermentation and partial malolactic fermentation took place in barrique.
Ageing
The wine matured in wood on its lees, with bâtonnage performed as required, followed by a further period of bottle ageing.
Tasting profile
Benefizio 2024 is straw yellow with golden highlights. Its complex bouquet opens with fresh mineral sensations, orange blossom and citrus, then develops white flowers, exotic and ripe fruit. Integrated spice and tertiary aromas reflect the wood maturation. The palate is fresh, savoury, intense and deep, with a long finish and honeyed notes in the aftertaste.
Vintage notes
The 2024 season followed a mild winter with average rainfall and no snow. Budbreak was uniform and the shoots showed generous fertility. Flowering in early June and veraison in late July occurred in dry, sunny conditions. The summer was among the hottest recorded in Tuscany, but water reserves in Pomino’s cool soil sustained vine growth and bunch development until harvest.
Label / history
Cru Benefizio was born in 1973. It represents the long history of Chardonnay at Pomino, where the variety has grown since 1855.
