Marchesi Antinori 2018 Chardonnay, Bramito del Cervo, Castello della Sala, IGT Umbria

Antinori's estate in Umbria boasts high altitude vineyards between 660-1325 feet above sea level on soils derived from sedimentary marine fossils mingled clay strati. Their flagship white, Cervaro della Sala is made here but so is this under the radar gem. Bramito del Cervo is 100% Chardonnay that is barrel fermented in French Allier and Toncais oak. The grapes soak on the skins initially and then after fermentation a portion of the wine is aged on the lees in stainless steel tanks while the rest ages an additional five months in oak. The result is a full spectrum Chardonnay with ripe tropical fruit aromas and flavors along with butterscotch, minerals and hints of toasty oak that linger in a lengthy finish.