# Le Chat (NV)

- **Producer:** Azienda Agricola Le Coste
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Lazio, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €36
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** stone fruit, peach, apricot, apple, lemon, butter, toast, cedar, dried apricot, hazelnut, honey

## About this wine

Le Coste was founded in 2004 in Gradoli by Gian Marco Antonuzzi and Clémentine Bouveron near Lake Bolsena in Lazio. Trained under legendary natural winemakers across France, the duo manages their vineyards using strict biodynamic principles on volcanic tufo soils. Le Chat is a unique expression in their portfolio, crafted from Chardonnay grown in volcanic soils in the Alta Tuscia region, combining French winemaking inspiration with Italian volcanic terroir.

## Interesting facts

- Founded by a former lawyer and wine journalist alongside a French agricultural engineer.
- Made from 100% Chardonnay grown on volcanic tuff soil surrounding Lake Bolsena.
- Bottled completely naturally without fining, filtration, or added sulfur dioxide.

## Food pairing

The wine's rich texture and vibrant acidity complement rich poultry, seafood in emulsion sauces, and earthy mushroom dishes. Its volcanic mineral backbone cuts through richness while matching savory depth.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and subjected to a gentle direct press. Spontaneous fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats over three weeks, followed by natural malolactic fermentation. The wine ages for one year in old French oak barrels ranging from 500L to 1000L and rests in bottle for an additional 6 to 12 months before release. It is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and without added sulfur dioxide.