What kind of wine is Valle d’Aosta Chardonnay 'élevé en fût de chêne' DOC 2024 - Anselmet?

The Valle d’Aosta Chardonnay 'élevé en fût de chêne' DOC 2024 - Anselmet is an elegant and structured mountain white wine, combining the typical fruity character of Chardonnay with the fresh minerality of the Aosta Valley terroir. The grapes come from vineyards located in the municipalities of Saint-Pierre and Villeneuve, at an altitude of approximately 800-900 meters, where the temperature difference between day and night promotes intense aromas and great balance. The moraine-sandy soil gives the wine a distinct minerality, while aging in wood rounds out its profile, giving it depth and complexity.

Vintage details

2024 in the Aosta Valley was characterized by a mild spring followed by a dry summer, with warm but breezy days and cool nights. These conditions allowed for a slow and steady ripening of the grapes, ensuring perfect aromatic concentration and maintaining an excellent level of natural acidity, essential for the wine's longevity and vibrancy.

Winemaking and aging

For this Chardonnay, Maison Anselmet adopts an artisanal approach, aimed at enhancing both the fruit and the identity of the territory. The must ferments directly in French barriques for about 25 days, a choice that allows the wine to gradually integrate the delicate notes of wood. This is followed by a period of aging of 6-9 months in the same barriques, 30% of which are new, enriching the bouquet with toasted and vanilla tones. The final result is a harmonious white wine that expresses freshness, structure, and finesse.

Tasting notes

Color

It appears with a bright straw yellow color and golden reflections, a sign of the grape's ripeness and its time in wood.

Nose

The aroma is intense and complex: initially, notes of yellow-fleshed fruit, such as peach and melon, emerge, followed by citrus nuances and hints of vanilla, hazelnut, and butter, derived from aging in barrique. In the background, a pleasant mineral vein can be perceived, recalling the high-altitude rocky soils.

Palate

On the palate, the Valle d’Aosta Chardonnay 'élevé en fût de chêne' DOC 2024 - Anselmet is fresh and enveloping. The full structure is balanced by a lively acidity and an elegant savoriness, which prolongs the persistence and invites another sip.

What dishes to pair with Valle d’Aosta Chardonnay 'élevé en fût de chêne' DOC 2024 - Anselmet

This Aosta Valley Chardonnay pairs versatilely with seafood and land dishes. Perfect with:

• Fish and shellfish appetizers
• Ricotta and herb ravioli with butter and sage
• Delicate white meats, such as chicken or rabbit in a light sauce
• Medium-aged cheeses

Its aromatic intensity and creaminess also make it ideal for more complex dishes, such as mushroom risottos or salmon-based preparations.

Storage and aging

For those wondering how to store Valle d’Aosta Chardonnay 'élevé en fût de chêne' DOC 2024 - Anselmet, it is important to know that, although well-structured, this white wine expresses its best characteristics within 2-3 years of the harvest. It is recommended to store it in a cool place, away from light, and at a constant temperature of around 12°C. If served at the right temperature (10-12°C), it will reveal all its elegance and the perfect combination of freshness, minerality, and softness.