2018 Alessandra Divella 'Dady'

Place: Franciacorta - Lombardy, Italy

Variety: Chardonnay

Farming: Organic

Alessandra organically farms 1.5ha of chardonnay and .5ha of pinot noir in Franciacorta, planted to varying proportions of limestone and clay, producing a mere 580 cases each year. Ferments occur naturally, not a single adjustment is made, nor are sulphur or dosage added. Each cuvee ages on lees for a minimum of two years, with some hibernating for up to five. The resulting wines are remarkably elegant and nuanced, truly capable of rivalling the great growers of Champagne in both detail and ageability.

Named after Alessandra's nickname for her favourite aunt, this zero/zero cuvée is in essence the Blanc de Blancs, but all grown up. The same lightly macerated Chardonnay is blended with reserve wine from previous vintages to create an even more mineral version of the Blanc de Blancs. 42 months on the lees brings out the textural complexity and oxidative aromas in the presence of ever-present acid linearity.