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Hidden Tuscany Rating
Chardonnay 1995 from Folonari at Panzano in Chianti, Toscana IGT aged about 24 months in cask, with a complex aromatic profile and varied pairings. Main reservation: generic appellation and price of €72.44 for 75 cl with no attested distinction.
Chardonnay in Toscana IGT from Panzano in Chianti: named zone but international grape variety and generic appellation, with no link to the Chianti Classico terroir.
No award or guide mentioned, producer Folonari named without attested distinction: rating within the range of a mere absence.
At €144.88 for the 1.5 L format, i.e. €72.44 for 75 cl, a high price for an undistinguished white IGT, despite the crossed-out price of €167.26.
Detailed aromatic profile (chamomile, sage, dried tea, honey, lemon, mint) and precise pairings with fish, shellfish, white meats, cheeses; serve at 10-12 °C.
Folonari named and located at Panzano in Chianti, vinification in steel then wood, about 24 months in cask and bottle ageing: detailed practices.
Independent rating, calculated from the property's public information and traveler reviews. Commissions received on bookings are not included in the rating.
Comment on noteThe wine
Imagine yourself, in the heart of Tuscany, a golden gem born nearly three decades ago. This 1995 Chardonnay from the Folonari estate is an invitation to a sensory journey, a bottle that whispers history and patience.
It is in Panzano in Chianti, within the Tenute del Cabreo, that the Folonari estate cultivates this particularly distinctive Chardonnay. Far from Sangiovese clichés, here the vines flourish to give birth to a white Toscana IGT, a rarity that testifies to the diversity and richness of this land. The 1995 vintage, in particular, benefited from meticulous attention, from the initial fermentation in steel tanks to the mid-way transfers into wood.
In your glass, you will discover an intense golden robe, sprinkled with amber highlights, the sign of a long and beautiful evolution. On the nose, this wine reveals complex and captivating aromas: from chamomile to sage, through dried tea and honey, you will also perceive notes of medicinal herbs, lemon and lemon zest, with a touch of refreshing mint. The palate is rich and enveloping, offering beautiful structure and a remarkable balance between the sweetness of ripe yellow fruits and a persistent freshness. Notes of hazelnut and tertiary touches enrich this flavor palette, telling of the age and wisdom of this wine, which patiently aged for about 24 months in barrel, then refined in the bottle.
To fully appreciate this exceptional Chardonnay, I recommend serving it between 10 and 12 °C. Feel free to decant it if necessary, to separate any sediment and allow it to express itself fully. It will pair wonderfully with flavorful fish dishes, delicate crustaceans, white meats, or soft cheeses. It is the ideal companion for a special occasion, a moment when you wish to take the time to savor every instant, every nuance of this wine that rewards patience and attention.