About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Vigna AU is a 1-hectare vineyard in Niclara, part of Cortaccia sulla Strada del Vino. It lies at 260–320 m and faces southeast. The loose, very deep moraine is dominated by strongly loamy sand with elevated limestone and salt levels; humus approaches 5%. Limestone supports the development of ripe yellow-fruit notes. Plantings date from 1967 onward, with Guyot training and pergola for the old vines, at 3,000–8,000 plants per hectare. The 2022 technical sheet records a yield of 30 hl/ha.
Grapes
100% Chardonnay.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested at the end of August at phenolic ripeness, with a good sugar-acid balance. After pressing, the must ferments spontaneously in small oak barrels, followed by malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
Malolactic fermentation and lees maturation in small oak barrels take a combined 11 months. After bottling, the wine matures for another two years.
Technical data
Alcohol is 14% vol, acidity 6.0 g/l and residual sugar 0.5 g/l. Production is 1,500 bottles.
Tasting profile
Crystal-clear dark straw yellow with a shimmer. Flint and walnut appear first, followed by yellow exotic fruit and floral aromas that broaden the complex bouquet. The palate is intense and juicy, supported by pleasant acidity and fine tannins. Full body and harmonious balance carry into a persistent finish.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 10–12 °C with veal, pork, poultry or steaks. Ageing potential is 20 years or more.
Vintage notes
The current release is 2022. Its technical sheet gives a yield of 30 hl/ha, while the wine page shows a broader figure of 35–45 hl/ha.
Label / history
The first vintage was 2014.
