Region: Italy, Veneto

Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gros Manseng & Petit Manseng

Winemaking process: The art of this wine lies in fermenting several different grape varieties in one barrel. The Petit Manseng is harvested six weeks before the Chardonnay and the juice is kept carefully in insulated vats with all the solid matter during this whole, long period. The blend (done by tasting the juices) ferments naturally in 225 litre oak barrels (30% new). The grapes are pressed gently in a pneumatic press and the press juice blended back in. This wine was barrel-aged on fine lees for 9 months and was not filtered before bottling so as to keep all the fruity, oaky aromas fully intact.

Tasting notes: This wine has a powerful, aromatic expression of white peach and dry apricot on the nose. The touch of vanilla is a sign of controlled ageing in cask. On the palate, the attack is dominated by the structure and fat of the Chardonnay, and the finish, by the freshness and elegance of Petit Manseng. A wonderful off-dry wine, remarkably well balanced.

An original, easy-to-drink wine. The distinctive trait of this wine is the nose, with its powerful bouquet of white fleshed fruit (peach and apricot). The vanilla notes are a sign of masterful barrel-ageing. The structure and fatness of the Chardonnay predominate on the front-of-palate, while the predominating characteristics at the finish are the freshness and elegance of the Petit Manseng. A truly great dry white wine, displaying remarkable balance and originality.

Awards

Top 100 France Selection in 2010: Ampéloméryx is one of the 100 best IGP french wines in UK and has been elected the Best White Wine of the Top 100 (Trophy of the white wine category).

Vinalies Internationales 2010 Selection, 1000 wines of the World, Silver Vinalies Medal: Some fine aromas of dry fruits (nuts, almonds) and undergrowth are present in this wine. A pale yellow colour with some hints of green. On the palate, the oak is revealed as silky and soft, very structured. This wine is harmonious, with a good balance of freshness and body.