Wines Alto Adige Schreckbichl Colterenzio - Chardonnay Lafóa - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Schreckbichl Colterenzio's Lafóa Chardonnay 2019 from the Alto Adige DOC stands as a fine example of northern Italian craftsmanship. The Lafóa range represents the premium selection of the estate, with the Chardonnay sourced from carefully chosen hillside vineyards. These slopes, situated at altitudes of 400–550 metres, benefit from plentiful sunlight and stark temperature variations between day and night, fostering grapes that ripen slowly and develop remarkable aromatic complexity. The 2019 vintage in the region offered near-perfect conditions: a cool winter followed by a warm, dry summer resulted in impeccable fruit for white winemaking. In the cellar, Colterenzio’s respectful vinification preserves fruit purity and structure. The must is fermented and matured partly in new French oak barriques and partly in large acacia vats, imparting the wine with both elegance and a discreet touch of creamy vanilla and toast. The resulting Chardonnay exhibits layered notes of ripe stone fruit, citrus, elegant floral touches and subtle minerality, perfectly underpinned by well-balanced acidity and a lingering, textured finish.

Alto Adige, where this wine originates, is nestled in the Italian Alps and shaped by the interplay of alpine and Mediterranean climates. The soils here are a unique blend of glacial moraine, limestone, and volcanic porphyry, ideal for producing whites of tension and clarity. The region’s winemaking dates back to ancient times, with a strong tradition of quality, further elevated in recent decades by innovative estates like Colterenzio.

Pair this Chardonnay with refined dishes that echo its finesse and complexity. Think of grilled wild salmon, a creamy risotto with porcini mushrooms, or veal in a delicate lemon and caper sauce. Local Alpine specialities such as canederli (bread dumplings) or trout meunière, enhanced by herbs and brown butter, also make excellent companions. For a luxurious match, lobster or scallops with a light saffron cream would be sublime.

Enjoy this wine between 10–12°C to appreciate its aromatic expressiveness and structure. Decanting for half an hour can help further open up its bouquet. This Chardonnay promises further development over the coming years, should you choose to cellar it.