The Ceraudo Imyr Bianco 2012 is 100% Chardonnay grown in family owned estate vineyards near Calabria in Stongoli (the toe of the boot) in southern Italy. The family farm produces wine, olive oil, citrus and includes a Michelin Star restaurant. The Chardonnay grapes were sourced from 20 year old vines and this wine was aged in French oak barrels for 6 months. The vines are planted along with rose bushes. The roses keep parasites away from the vines and infuse a gentle scent to the wine.The alcohol content is 14%.
The color is a vibrant golden-yellow. The nose is bold and complicated, apricots, apples, butterscotch, lime and a floral scent. This is a smooth, balanced, medium bodied Chardonnay, the oak is a secondary part of the flavor profile, the fruit and citrus dominate. It tastes of Golden Delicious apple, lemon, lime, pear and a hint of butter popcorn. There is solid, well-balanced acidity, that allows the flavors a hang on for quite some time. The finish is full and long.
The Ceraudo Imyr Bianco 2012 is elegant Chardonnay done Italian style. The one thing I hear over and over concerning Chardonnay is that people do not like oaked Chardonnay. I always tell them that Chardonnay is way too complicated to make the simple distinction of oaked or unoaked, every winemaker has their own take on Chardonnay and they merely didn’t enjoy how that particular winemaker used the oak. Oak can add interesting flavor, texture and body when done right. The Ceraudo Imyr Bianco does oak right, this is a full flavored boutique Chardonnay that will enhance a fine meal.
