About this wine

Vineyard and terroir

Vigna AU is a 1 ha vineyard in Niclara (Entiklar), a locality of Cortaccia sulla Strada del Vino. It lies at 260–320 m and has a southeastern exposure. The vines were planted in 1967 and later, trained to Guyot and, for the old vines, pergola, at densities of up to 8,000 vines/ha. Yields are 35–45 hl/ha.

The loose, very deep morainic soil is dominated by highly loamy sand and contains elevated levels of limestone and salt. Its humus content is nearly 5%. A substantial clay component supports the Chardonnay’s acidity, while the limestone favours the development of yellow-fruit notes.

Grapes

100% Chardonnay.

Vinification

The grapes are picked at phenolic maturity with a balanced ratio of sugar to acidity, then gently crushed. The must ferments spontaneously in small oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place on the lees.

Ageing

After one year, the entire wine is transferred to stainless-steel tanks for six months, during which it clarifies naturally through sedimentation. It is bottled during an appropriate phase of the moon and matures in bottle for a further year. As part of the Ad Tempus collection, the 2015 vintage remained under ideal cellar conditions for extended bottle maturation before its later release.

Technical data

Alcohol: 14% vol.
Total acidity: 6.1 g/L
Residual sugar: 0.7 g/L
Production: 4,400 bottles
Ageing potential: 20 years or more
Bottle size: 0.75 L

Tasting profile

Crystal-clear, shimmering dark straw yellow. The bouquet initially shows flint and walnut, opening into yellow exotic fruit and floral aromas. The palate is intense and succulent, balanced by pleasant acidity and fine tannins, with a full body, harmonious structure and a highly persistent finish.

After nearly a decade of maturation, the 2015 develops ripe stone-fruit aromas and restrained nutty nuances. Its acidity has softened into a smooth, integrated structure, while the long finish retains refined minerality. Oak, fruit and mineral elements are harmonious and express the wine’s evolution with age.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 10–12°C. Pair with flavoursome starters, smoked fish, veal, pork, poultry or steaks.

Vintage notes

The Ad Tempus release presented here is the 2015 vintage. Its extended bottle maturation has softened the acidity and brought forward ripe stone fruit, subtle nuts and a long mineral finish.

Label / history

Ad Tempus is a collection of older vintages of selected wines, deliberately released after years of bottle maturation in the estate cellar and identified by a distinctive seal.