Libaio Toscana I.G.T. 75cl (2024) RUFFINO

When Ruffino introduced this wine in the 1980s, it was one of the first high quality Chardonnays from Tuscany - a region long-known for producing Chianti and other red wines. Their decision to not age the Chardonnay in oak was also unconventional, albeit essential to allow the wine's fresh-fruit and crisp minerality to shine through. This wine is made primarily from grapes grown on Ruffin's La Solatia estate in the hills outside Siena, an area characterised by fossils in the soil - reminders of an era when this terrain was underwater. The altitude is 190-250m, and the soil is in a hilly land with lime and clay textured soil rich in limestone with an abundance of travertine. This unoaked Chardonnay is a fresh and clean wine with harmonious structure and aromas of orange peel and honey, along with notes of golden apple, sage and figs. Earthy, nutty, and green apple flavours leap forward on the palate, and its finish is excellently balanced, long, and crisp. Fabulous on its own, it also perfectly complements the fresh and simple flavours that dominate Tuscan cuisine. It is a pleasing companion to lightly seasoned pastas and seafood dishes and is a great choice for al fresco dining and summer entertaining. The colour of the wine is bright straw yellow, with an intense fruity note of apple and banana and floral orange blossom, followed by notes reminiscent of citrus zest and sage. It is refreshing, intense and savoury. The fruity apple and pineapple notes return to the palate with a medium-long floral finish.