Chiaramonte Chardonnay (2020) - Firriato
In Sicily, Chardonnay takes on a richer, more intense aromatic profile than its French versions, thanks to the influence of the Mediterranean climate. Firriato is one of the most renowned wineries in Sicily, known for showcasing both native and international grape varieties.
Chiaramonte Chardonnay (2020) - Firriato
Type: Vino Bianco
Area: Italy, Sicily, Agro di Trapani
Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2020
Winery: Firriato
Alcohol: 13.5
The appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT
Terre Siciliane IGT is an appellation covering the whole of Sicily, offering an extraordinary variety of wines that represent the heart and soul of this land rich in winemaking tradition. Introduced in 2011, this Indicazione Geografica Tipica allows producers to use a wide range of grape varieties, both native and international, ensuring creative freedom and a deep connection with the land.
Find out more about Terre Siciliane IGTWhat to eat with Chiaramonte Chardonnay
Who makes it: Firriato
Firriato is one of the best-known wineries in Sicily, founded in the 80s by Salvatore and Vinzia Di Gaetano. The estate has built its reputation on championing native grape varieties and on the diversity of Sicilian terroirs. With vineyards spread between Trapani, Etna and the Egadi Islands, Firriato manages to express the essence of Sicilian winegrowing, combining tradition and innovation. The estate is also a benchmark for organic viticulture, with certified production and a strong commitment to sustainability.
Find out more about FirriatoThe vine of Chiaramonte Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted and prestigious white grape varieties in the world, originally from Burgundy, in France. Thanks to its great adaptability to different climates and soils, Chardonnay is grown in many wine regions, expressing unique characteristics according to the terroir and the winemaking style.
Find out moreChiaramonte Chardonnay: the Agro di Trapani area
Agro di Trapani
The Agro di Trapani is one of the most important wine areas of Sicily, in the western part of the island. Thanks to its proximity to the sea, its limestone and clay soils and its dry Mediterranean climate, this area has historically been suited to the production of fresh, aromatic whites, structured reds and world-famous fortified wines such as Marsala. Viticulture in the Agro di Trapani stands out for the use of native varieties such as Grillo, Catarratto and Inzolia for the whites, and Nero d'Avola and Perricone for the reds. The region is also renowned for the production of Marsala DOC, a fortified wine with centuries of history.
Find out more about Agro di TrapaniClimate: Mediterranean
Altitude: Low Altitude (0-200 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Sea
Profile of Chiaramonte Chardonnay
Primary aromas: Exotic fruit (pineapple, mango, banana), Yellow-fleshed fruit (peach, apricot) and Citrus (citron, lemon)
Secondary aromas: Buttery notes, Vanilla and sweet spices (if aged in wood) and Floral hints of broom
Tertiary aromas: Light hints of honey and dried fruit with ageing
Tasting notes: The Chiaramonte Chardonnay 2020 from Firriato is a wine of Mediterranean character, enveloping and complex. On the palate it is soft and structured, with a perfect balance between the freshness of citrus and the roundness of exotic fruit. The minerality typical of the Sicilian terroir combines with a light buttery and spicy note, for a persistent, refined sip.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Soft and enveloping |
| Acidity | Medium, well balanced |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Long, with fruity and buttery notes on the finish |
| Colour | Golden yellow with bright highlights |
| Clarity | Clear and bright |
| Body | Medium-full |
Winemaking methods used for Chiaramonte Chardonnay
Hand harvesting
Hand harvesting is a traditional, painstaking approach to picking, where bunches are selected and cut by hand straight from the vine. Compared with machine harvesting it allows far closer attention to quality, since only the best bunches are chosen and the fruit is not damaged.
Find out moreSoft pressing
Soft pressing is a gentle winemaking technique, used to extract the must from the grapes with the least possible pressure. This method makes it possible to obtain a high-quality must, free of excessive phenolic or tannic substances, ideal for producing elegant white, rosé and red wines.
Find out moreTemperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel
Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel is a technique that makes it possible to produce fresh, fruity, clean wines, preserving the varietal aromas of the grapes at their best.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Chiaramonte Chardonnay
In bottle
Ageing in bottle is a fundamental stage in the production of quality wines, during which the wine continues to develop in an oxygen-free environment. This process allows the wine to harmonise its components, soften the tannins and develop more complex, mature aromas, without the external influence of wood or other materials.Ageing in bottle can last from a few months to several years, depending on the type of wine and the style sought, and is particularly used for structured red wines, long-lived whites and metodo classico sparkling wines, improving their elegance, finesse and length on the palate.
Find out more