2023 Corvée Chardonnay 'Quarás'

100% Chardonnay from the Quarás Vineyard in Altavalle, at 1500’ elevation, on the slopes of Monte Avvoltoi. Hand harvested,  destemmed and softly pressed. Native fermentation in stainless steel, and then the wine goes into lees aging for about 8 months in 228-liter French oak “pièces” using a mix of new, second-use, and third-use barrels. Walks a line between mountain freshness and serious, structured depth. Aromatically, it leans into yellow fruit with notes that can read like ripe apple and stone fruit, alongside pineapple and orange peel, then shifts into the more decadent register: caramel, toffee, and hazelnut—the kind of subtle richness that comes from lees work and measured oak. On the palate, it’s textured and full-bodied, but a fresh, lively acidity keeps it unmistakably alpine.