Antinori, Cervaro della Sala, 2023

A superb vintage for Cervaro, with warm Summer conditions to ripen the grapes and cooler nighttime temperatures to provide lovely freshness in the wine. A blend of Chardonnay alongside a small proportion of the traditional Grechetto grape, the 2023 has an attractive, light-yellow colour in the glass, with aromatic, floral notes of honeysuckle and acacia, as well as citrus and spice. As the aromas unfurl, honey, brioche, orange blossom and mineral notes reveal themselves… it’s tempting to drink it up promptly, given it’s so delicious, but savouring it over an evening will bring even more pleasure. It’s fairly full-bodied but the lick of natural acidity and freshness mean excellent balance and a fine, elegant feel.  With the ability to drink well now or cellar till 2031, in our opinion, Cervaro remains the best white wine in Italy, there simply isn’t another that approaches it.