Castello Luigi Bianco del Ticino 2020

Wineadvocate

The 2020 Besazio Bianco del Ticino is the 25th vintage of this Chardonnay whose one-hectare plot is located directly in front of the château and was planted in 1989 on calcareous and sandy soil. This south-facing cru delivers about 2,500 wines per vintage. Aged in French barriques for 10 months and another 18 months in the bottle before release, the 2020 displays a radiant citrus color and opens with elegant, intense and indeed calcareous-scented fruit on the deep and complex nose with perfectly integrated oak or noisette aromas highlighting the ripe pear, peach and mango aromas that are spiced with fresh lemon notes. Lush and densely textured on the palate, with perfectly ripe and juicy fruit structured by fine tannin from the small oak barrels, this is a full-bodied, rich and very elegant white with ripe and refined acidity and a long, intense and juicy finish. Fine tannins intermingle with a saline/mineral complexity and the concentrated fruit on the impressive aftertaste. This is a classic reminiscent of the finest Pessac-Léognan whites rather than Burgundies. 14% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in Zurich, February 2023. - SR