Manufacturer: Conti D'Arco

Chardonnay Brut V.S.Q.

The Conti d’Arco range includes a number of wines selected from the most acclaimed zones of the Trentino region by the oenologists of Gruppo Italiano Vini who oversee every stage of the production process: from the vineyard to the bottle. The name comes from the noble family who owns the medieval castle which, from the rock of Arco, dominates the vineyards of the impressive valley between Lake Garda and the Brenta Dolomites.

Grapes: 100% Chardonnay.

Vineyard: selected parcels on the hills along the Valley of the Adige, in Trentino, between the communes of Lavis and San Michele; the vines are trained by the pergola trentina system on well-exposed terrain (200-300 metres altitude), of morainic-glacial origin, with clay and limestone mixed with gravel; the yield of grapes is 120 quintals per hectare, with 65% yield of wine.

Vinification: the grapes, picked early in September, are vinified by the white wine method; the young must, after cold settling, is partly fermented at a controlled temperature (15°-16°C); the secondary fermentation takes place in small 80hl closed tanks following the addition of concentrated grape juice and a “pied de cuve” (starter) of selected yeasts; the sparkling wine process continues for about two months, at a low temperature, so as not to affect the original aromas of the grape; there follows the sterile bottling without loss of pressure (isobaric bottling).

Wine: creamy, white foam; very small, tightly formed beads; bright, light straw colour with green tints; distinctive bouquet, with a fine fragrance of Golden Delicious apples, almond blossom and bay leaves and a hint of crusty bread; dry, but not excessively so, flavour, fresh and lively, attractive and clean, with an elegant, fruity, pleasantly lingering aftertaste.

Analytical details: 11.5% alcohol; 6.4g/l total acidity; 3.10pH; 8g/l sugar; 18g/l extract.

Optimum keeping: 1-2 years in bottles stored horizontally in cool, dark conditions.

Food matches: as an aperitif, and with all delicate dishes based on vegetables, fish or meat.

Serving temperature: 8°C