2017 Chardonnay Bramito Vineyards

Chardonnay aficionados know about West Coast Chards: CA, OR, WA. They’ve experienced the crafts from France and the South seas. But what about Italian Chardonnay? This young ’17 Chard comes from an inner wine region just South of Florence, Italy. It doesn’t have that heavy oak taste nor the darker yellow color. Simply, it’s a Chardonnay “lite” with only 12.4% alcohol content, a hint of yellow, slim legs, and a fruity nose. If you are craving a robust Chard, then “…go West, young man.” Often, Italian winemakers ferment happy wines, and this is one of those. The pour is a surprise seeing a clear faint-yellow wine, and then finding happy legs on the glass. The nose is light and fruity, green apples. Tasting adds some spice and grapefruit. Its finish is a smooth flint without heavy oak tannin. Chill this ’17 youngster to drink now. Serve at lunch or dinner with lighter foods. Or store bottles in your cellar for warm summer days, entertaining guests, or wait for it to matures.