2022 Batar
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Tasting notes
A very early tasting of this wine, which generally takes quite a while to show its best, the 2022 Batar has a silver/straw color and is fresh, opening with notes of fresh melon, crushed almonds, hints of vanilla, quince, and lilac. Full-bodied, this vintage offers a refreshing spine of acidity, and its perfume persists on the long, gently tapering finish. It’s only going to gain in depth and come together. It has more crunchiness in this vintage at this stage and will benefit from another few years in bottle. Drink 2026-2038. 16,300 bottles produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco. Certified organic (015). Deep straw yellow with a brilliant lemony tinge. A rich yellow-fruit nose with a hint of sweet oak and creamy butter. Grapefruit, tropical fruit and creamy yellow fruit. Just enough acidity to finely balance the considerable concentration. But the torrid year has been handled skilfully and I wouldn’t be surprised if this wine ages well. (WS)
Full bottle just 1,282 g. 50% Chardonnay from south-facing Casaocci Sud at 350 m and sandstone-dominated Il Pallonaio at 600 m and 50% Pinot Bianco from a cool, north-facing site at 400 m. Picked 29 August to 13 September. Average yield 25 hl/ha. Spontaneous fermentation and 9 months' ageing on lees with minimal stirring in French oak barriques (20% new). TA 4.93 g/l, pH 3.29. Certified organic. Mid yellowish straw. Waxy and herbal on the nose with good structure and rich palate entry but with density counterbalanced by suitable acidity. A hint of lime on the end. Broad-beamed and long but I'd love to see this with a little more bottle age and development. I have based my suggested drinking dates on the results of this tasting. This is a white to accompany all sorts of savoury dishes – with creamy sauces perhaps. (JR)
The 2022 Batàr is airy, fresh and nuanced. Hints of tangerine oil, mint, lemon peel, almond and dried flowers are all nicely lifted in this aromatic, refreshing white. The style continues to move in the direction of energy and vibrancy. These days, there's minimal lees-stirring and just a hint of new oak, a response to changing climate conditions and stylistic preferences. This is beautifully done and also quite expressive, especially for a wine that was just bottled.
About the producer
Literally translating as “beautiful oak”, Querciabella was created in 1974 by Giuseppe Castiglioni. A pioneer in Chianti, he started farming biodynamically and experimenting with both varieties and winemaking – one result of which was Camartina, the property’s flagship Super Tuscan.