product details
key information
- Region: Tuscany
- Sub-Region: n/a
- Style: White
- Vintage: 2005
- Taste guide: 2
- Grape variety: 65% Chardonnnay - 35% Pinot Blanc
- Alcohol Content (%): 14.00
- Organic/Vegan/Vegetarian: V VV BO
Founded in 1974 Agricola Querciabella based in Greve-in-Chianti, Tuscany began life as an estate of only one hectare of vines and a few old buildings. Since then the estate has expanded to 26 hectares of vines and 12 hectares of olives at the original estate and a further 36 hectares of vines in Alberese in Maremma which will go to produce some of their new releases in the future.
The vineyards from which Batàr is obtained have been cultivated organically since 1988, and in 2000 have undergone a full conversion to biodynamic techniques. Pressing, fermentation and élevage of the Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay grapes are conducted separately, until the final blend takes place. The grapes are picked in 8 kilo crates and juice is slowly extracted with a bladder press, very gently. The fermentation takes place in barrique. The wine
also undergoes a full malolactic fermentation. The barrel maturation takes 9 to 12 months. The oak is 100% French, and comes mainly from Tronçais and Vosges, and also from Allier. It is 50% new and 50% one year old. Once the wine maker decides that the élevage is complete, the barrels which will be part of the final blend are selected, through extensive sampling. The final blend takes place in stainless steel. The wine is bottled shortly after, and rests for about six months before release. The wine is released around 20 months, and it reaches its full maturity about 42 months, after harvest.
Pale yellow coloured wine with aromas of crushed white flowers, garden herbs, and a pleasing mineral streak. Rich and sophisticated on the palate, with flavours of peach, apricot, white berries, with some creamy, toasted oak and a long, lingering finish. Pair with poultry and seafood.
Sublime... Endowed with layers of sweet fruit
interwoven with mineral and sweet toasted oak
notes, it offers outstanding length on the palate...
It is not to be missed. 92/100”
Robert M. Parker Jr. June, 2007
“Perhaps the most ambitious Pinot Blanc on the planet”
Jancis Robinson, MW December 14, 2004
“The best Tuscan white”
Gambero Rosso Editore 2001
“Truly extraordinary”
Jancis Robinson, MW Financial Times July 15–16, 2000
“A dream of a white”
Hugh Johnson Pocket Encyclopedia of Wine 1999