# Meridiano (NV)

- **Producer:** Cantina Ricchi
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Lombardia, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** pineapple, peach, lemon, apple, fennel, herbaceous, butter, vanilla, toast, hazelnut, honey

## About this wine

Produced by Cantina Ricchi in the hills of the Garda DOC, Meridiano is a distinguished expression of Chardonnay. The Stefanoni family has cultivated vines in the morainic hills south of Lake Garda for generations, utilizing a microclimate tempered by the lake's breezes. This unique terroir, characterized by clay and gravel soils, imparts a distinct mineral character and vibrant energy to the wine, making it a benchmark for Lombardian Chardonnay.

## Interesting facts

- The 2010 vintage of Meridiano achieved international acclaim, winning a Gold Medal at the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
- The vineyards benefit from a unique morainic soil composition formed by ancient glaciers near Lake Garda.
- Cantina Ricchi utilizes modern sustainable practices in their gravity-flow winery to minimize environmental impact.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-to-full body and lively acidity make it an excellent match for rich, textured dishes. The subtle oak integration and savory sage notes complement roasted poultry and buttery seafood, while the acidity cuts through creamy sauces and cheeses beautifully.

## Wine making process

The grapes are carefully selected and hand-harvested at optimal ripeness. Fermentation takes place under temperature-controlled conditions. A portion of the blend undergoes fermentation and aging in oak barriques to develop complexity and texture, while the remainder is vinified in stainless steel to preserve fresh fruit aromatics and crisp acidity. The wine is then blended and aged on its fine lees before bottling.