Chardonnay is a prestigious white grape variety which has been cultivated for decades in Trentino. It was probably Giulio Ferrari – who introduced the production of sparkling wine in Trentino – who brought it back with him at the beginning of the 20th century after a long period spent in the Champagne region in France where he greatly appreciated the characteristics of this grape. The quality of Chardonnay lies in particular in its excellent adaptation to Trentino, a land in which it has found a habitat very similar to its homeland. The area over which Chardonnay is found is almost always in the grape growing areas in the province of Trento. The grapes used by Cantine Monfort winery come from vineyards on the hills near Trento and on the slopes of the Valle di Cembra.

Morphological characteristics of the vine

An early maturing vine (in fact harvesting begins in the first week of September), characterised by a good constant production. It has been adopted for trellised viticulture, a traditional method that makes the most of the rays of the sun. Leaf light green colour, slightly wavy; upper and under leaf surfaces smooth and hairless. Cluster small to average, rather squat. Grape berries amber-yellow coloured, spherical with quite substantial skin; pulp sweet with a simple flavour.

Wine-making

After a very gentle pressing and a supervised fermentation with selected yeasts at maximum temperatures of 16-18° C, it comes the traditional white grape wine-making technique, involving preservation of the wine in stainless steel containers and contact with it's fine lees for 4-6 weeks.

Wine

Colour: very slightly straw-coloured with a hint of green.
Bouquet: fine, pleasantly fruity with tropical fruit notes.
Palate: dry, well-structured, agreeably harmonious.

Gastronomic suggestions

Hors d'oeuvres and fish. This is an elegant, high quality wine which is also excellent as an aperitif. Ideal with pasta, soups and white meats. Best drunk young in order to savour to the full its bouquet which is enhanced by its acidity.

Serving temperature

10-12° C