Tenuta Olim Bauda, Chardonnay DOC, I Boschi, Piedmont, Italy, 2022

Producer Profile

Wine aside, Piedmont is almost as famous for truffles – those elusive, delectable delights that have to be rooted out from the depths of the forest.

Much the same might be be said of Olim Bauda – a secluded family estate that lies at the end of long drive off the busy Via Prata. Here the road gently meanders and continuously rises before the family home finally reveals itself amidst a grove of trees, though if you arrive in truffle season it is more likely to be shrouded in mist. The estate is run by siblings Dino, Diana and Gianni, all of whom have devoted themselves to creating fresh, expressive Barbera d’Asti and pure, scintillating Gavi in the most delicate, low-intervention way. Without doubt these wines, like truffles, are worth any trouble you might have finding them.

Viticulture

The grapes come from Olim Bauda's 'Boschi' (The Forests) vineyards located in the area north of Nizza Monferrato.

Winemaking

The selection of the Chardonnay grapes generally takes place in the first week of September. That same evening the grapes are pressed, as is their tradition, in the estate cellar and the must is placed in stainless steel vats at a temperature of 8° C for a few days. It is then racked for fermentation to begin, a small percentage is fermented in French oak barriques, while the remainder remains in steel vats. After a few months of ageing on the lees with regular batonnages, bottling takes place in June/July.

Tasting Note

This has a fragrant and pleasant bouquet with fine hints of citrus, pineapple, and melon, softened by a subtle hazelnut and buttery note. Deep straw yellow in colour, it offers a sapid and elegant palate with excellent structure—rich, fresh, and persistent.

Food Matching

Try it with tajarin piemontese or with white truffle, raw scampi, pizza with buffalo mozzarella or even apple glara.