2018 La Source, Chardonnay - Valle d’Aosta - 6 Bottiglie (0,75 L)

La Source produces a Chardonnay with Alpine sensations, revealing hints of mountain flowers and those savory sensations that make the sip even more mineral. This artisanal white wine is crafted by Stefano Celi and his trusted winemaking partners. We are located in Saint-Pierre, a few kilometers from Aosta, in an area that loves light and east-west exposure. Indeed, thanks to its natural strategic position, the sun shines all day on the vines of the community winery, run by Stefano Celi and managed in collaboration with the surrounding habitat and the young local winemakers who have embraced and shared the project. Since 2005, the goal of the shared winery, run by the Celi family, has been to produce wines expressive of a unique terroir, surrounded by the Alps. These lands are responsible for reflecting that mountain air in the estate's artisanal bottles. Chardonnay is the perfect example: a single-variety wine that demonstrates how sustainable, artisanal plant management can yield original and unique fruit, even in the guise of an international grape variety whose expression we too often limit. Stefano Celi and his team demonstrate the exact opposite. Chardonnay grapes are grown at over 600 meters above sea level, enjoying a cool, breezy climate with significant nighttime temperature variations and Alpine influences. Here, the soil is moraine-based, alternating with sand. After harvest, the grapes are transported to the cellar only when fully ripe. Spontaneous fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 18°C, where the wine is then aged on the lees for several months. La Source's Chardonnay presents a bright, luminous straw yellow color. On the nose, floral sensations of mountain flowers and fresh white and yellow fruit are perceived. On the palate, it's an elegant and fresh white wine, minerally and structured. We pair La Source Chardonnay with fish dishes, such as fried fish or a salmon steak. It also pairs well with a mussel stew.