Contrada PC 2022
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
Contrada PC is a mountain Chardonnay with a long ageing potential. The first vintage produced was 2018. The wine comes from Passochianche, a minuscule terrace parcel lying at 870-1000 m / 2854 – 3116 ft a.s.l, just above the main estate of Passopisciaro.
The Chardonnay was planted with a density of 12,300 vines per hectare / 4,920 vines per acre. The volcanic soil is 15,000 years old and of post-elliptic, pyroclastic origin with abundant rock formations.
THE VINTAGE:
The winter of 2021/2022 was quite rainy and cold. Blossoming was regular and during spring abundant rainfalls helped to fill up soil water reserves which, along with warm temperatures in the following months, brought a fast growth of the vine canopy.
August arrived with summer storms. On August 5th hail hit the vineyards around the Passopisciaro village and there was some loss in a few vineyard parcels, but every cloud has a silver lining!
Rainfalls, short but intense combined with cooler temperatures accentuated the day/night temperature swings, helping the Chardonnay in Passochianche to reach an optimal ripeness. Harvest took place on August 19th, August 22nd and September 3rd .
REVIEWS
Vinous, 93 points: “The 2022 Bianco Contrada PC lifts from the glass with an air of sweet spice, giving way to nuances of kiwi, lime zest and white smoke. It sweeps across the palate with soothingly round textures and ripe orchard fruits, taking on a gentle mineral tension toward the close. This is understated yet refined throughout, leaving a twang of sour citrus and a salty sensation to fade slowly on the finish.”
Wine Advocate, 94+ points: “Made with Chardonnay that is cultivated at an extreme 900 to 1,000 meters abive sea level, this is a very special wine. The Passopisciaro 2022 Contrada PC is very attractive off the bat with a beautiful combination of white flower, candied pear, spice and crushed stone. the wine offers intensity and brightness with a firm, almost salty finish. This 5,600-bottle release is fermented in oak casks and aged in wood for 10 months (with six months on the lees).”
100% Chardonnay
