# San Giorgio Rivone Chardonnay (2021)

- **Producer:** Cordero S.S.A.
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Lombardia, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** orange blossom, peach, citrus, butter, vanilla, flint, beeswax, eucalyptus honey

## About this wine

The Cordero San Giorgio Rivone Chardonnay 2021 is a single-varietal Chardonnay from the Oltrepò Pavese DOC in Lombardy, Italy. The wine's name, 'Rivone,' refers to the steep incline of its vineyard plot in Santa Giuletta, a characteristic that influences the wine's character. The Cordero family, with a history in the Langhe region, established Cordero San Giorgio to enhance the profile of Oltrepò Pavese wines. The estate utilizes sustainable farming practices on clayey-calcareous soils at elevations ranging from 230 to 400 meters above sea level, with vines averaging 30 years in age.

## Interesting facts

- The vineyard's name 'Rivone' means 'very steep slope'.
- Grapes are grown at altitudes between 230 and 400 meters.
- Fermented in both terracotta amphorae and French oak.
- Vineyards have an average age of 30 years.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and balanced acidity complement richer dishes, while its subtle mineral notes and potential for complexity make it versatile with seafood and poultry. The wine's structure can stand up to dishes with moderate richness and savory elements.

## Wine making process

The Cordero San Giorgio Rivone Chardonnay 2021 begins with a soft pressing of whole, hand-harvested grapes. The resulting must is then fermented in thermo-controlled steel tanks before being divided into terracotta amphorae and French oak barriques for alcoholic fermentation, which lasts about four weeks. Partial malolactic fermentation is also carried out. The wine is aged for approximately 12 months 'sur lies' in both amphorae and barriques, with regular bâtonnage. After bottling, it undergoes a further 6-month resting period before its release.