Bilancia Chardonnay 2018
Made very traditionally, 100% whole bunch pressed direct to barrique. 100% indigenous ferment, aged on lees for 10 months. No MLF to add tension. A surprisingly flavour-powerful wine for its weight. Stylistically Warren Gibson is trying to bring some “positive corruption” into the wine through hands-off winemaking and trying to avoid any additions other than SO2, aiming for “good natural acidity and freshness, 13.5% alc max, but wines that have ideally more power and texture.” He has planted more Chardonnay on their lower terraces plus a beautiful north-facing slope and expects this will push the Chardonnay to greater heights. A somewhat unusual style consequently: excitingly “different” with its positively low alcohol (12%), very medium body and rather peppery, cardamom flavours with a touch of oak.