Coppo

Costebianche Chardonnay Piemonte DOC 2008

Wine Description

Costebianche is made from 100% Chardonnay, sourced from grapes grown in select vineyards around Canelli and neighboring villages. Part of the wine (70%) is matured in barriques for six months, and the remaining portion is refined in tank to preserve its fresh fruitiness. Finally, the two batches are blended together resulting in a well-rounded yet fresh wine. Malolactic fermentation is partially carried out, which adds an elegant, creamy texture.

Tasting Notes

Pale lemon-green in color, Costebianche offers aromas of lemon citrus, green apple and white flowers, accented by light notes of vanilla and sweet spice. On the palate the wine is buttery in texture with toasty oak nuances and a long, rich finish. A very versatile wine recommended with a wide array of foods from quiche and omelets to antipasti and grilled white meats.

Vineyard Characteristics

Production area/name of vineyard: Canelli and neighboring villages
Soil composition: Marl and calcareous
Training method: Guyot
Elevation (feet): 660
Vines/acre: 1,600
Yield/acre (tons): 3
Exposure: Southern
Year vineyard planted: 1980-2000
Agronomist/Vineyard manager: Gianmario Cerutti

Winemaking & Aging

Varietal composition: 100% Chardonnay
Harvest time: September
Winemaking consultant: Riccardo Cotarella
Number bottles produced of this wine: 32,000
Fermentation
Malolactic fermentation: Partial
Aging
Aging container: Barrels (70%) and stainless steel (30%)
Cooperage: French oak
Length of aging before bottling: 6 months
Analytical Data
Alcohol: 11.7%
pH level: 3.3
Acidity (grams/liter): 5.6

Reviews

Wine Advocate - Issue #190/ August 2010
“Italy's Finest Values”
“Coppo’s 2008 Chardonnay Costebianche shows good varietal character in a fairly restrained style. Tropical fruit, spices and minerals come together nicely in this fresh, vibrant Chardonnay meant for near-term drinking.”
87 points