Ronco del Gnemiz Chardonnay Sol 2018

Ronco del Gmeniz enjoys some of the best advantages of viticulture in Friuli Venezia-Giulia. The estate's south-facing vineyards on the hill of Rosazzo are sheltered from excessive summer heat by Adriatic sea breezes from the south and cooling Alpine influences from the north. Better still, these vineyards sit on Friuli's prized 'Ponca' sandstone soil, the breeding ground for many of the region's premier wines.

This gloriously pure, ageworthy Chardonnay is a particularly fine example. It's made with fruit from low-yielding 60-year-old vines, lovingly nurtured through every process in the winery, including malolactic conversion and very judicious use of oak.

The focus is very much on the fruit, which retains beautiful fresh acidity, plumped up by a gently creamy and rich texture. The length is extraordinary and will only improve over the next decade or more.