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“A beautiful oak-aged blend of Ansonica and Chardonnay, this is a great white wine from Sicily, with fragrant tones of almond blossom, apricot, hazelnut and vanilla. The mouthfeell is smooth, long and silky.” – Monica Larner

This Chardonnay displays a yellow straw color and aromas of fresh yellow fruit and a hint of mango. Aged for 5to 6 months partly in oak and partly in cement, it is fresh and full on the palate showing fruit that mirrors the nose with very light hazelnut, coconut, mango and minerals on the finish. Very flavorful with a persistent finish.

The 2009 Chiaranda (Chardonnay) is very pretty in this vintage. Exotic hints of passion fruit, truffles, jasmine, light floral honey and almonds meld together in the glass. This is an especially seamless, opulent white, yet there is more than enough salinity to give the wine its sense of proportion.

The 2009 Chiaranda (Chardonnay) is very pretty in this vintage. Exotic hints of passion fruit, truffles, jasmine, light floral honey and almonds meld together in the glass. This is an especially seamless, opulent white, yet there is more than enough salinity to give the wine its sense of proportion. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2014.

Chardonnay, der ein halbes Jahr auf der Feinhefe liegt: Die feine Säure und Mineralität eines etwas frscheren Jahrgangs passen sehr gut zur Fülle der Rebsorte. Langes Finale auf Noten von eotischen Früchten sowie mediterranen Blüten und Unterholz.

The 2010 Contessa Entellina Chardonnay Chiaranda is a full and creamy expression that underlines not only the generosity of the grape but also of the Sicilian sunshine. Fermented in stainless steel and partially aged in oak for up to six month sur lie, the wine is elaborate and fresh with creamy tones of lemon mousse and almond paste that add heft and texture. Light spice and cinnamon frame the contours with lingering tones of crushed mineral that are one of the wine’s nicest and most memorable qualities. Drink 2014-2018.

Rich, with toasted hazelnut, pear tart, crystallized honey and beeswax flavors, this is finely balanced and light-footed, bolstered by well-honed acidity. The finish shows fine minerality and drive, offering lasting smoke and iodine notes. Drink now through 20124. E’ un vino elegantemente equilibrato, supportato da una ben affilata acidità.

An elegant, medium-bodied white, with a rich, creamy palate of glazed apple, smoked hazelnut, apricot tart and lemon parfait. Finely balanced, this offers a lasting finish, showing accents of toast and candied ginger. Chardonnay. Drink now through 2022. 2,083 cases made. –AN

The 2012 Contessa Entellina Chiarandà presents a thick and oaky style that does justice to the creamy Sicilian Chardonnay grapes used here. Chiarandà is endowed with a superior sense of richness that wraps thickly over the palate with intensity and determination. The bouquet reveals dried apricot, honey, peach, exotic fruit and toasted almond. Added complexity comes in the form of dried sage and toasted pine nut. This is a beautiful Sicilian wine that is built to last. It should continue its evolution over the next ten years.

“Perfumed, tropical and pure aromas leading to a structured and complete palate. Has a fulness of body to partner a variety of food.” Nick Dumergue

“Quite shy at first with a little smoke and flint. Then wonderfully clear melon, apricot and peach fruit on the palate, plus floral, aromatic, stone flavors. Intriguing.” Richard Hemming

Made from Sicily’s native Inzolia, the richness of the apricot-like fruit suggests old-vine concentration but it is balanced and fresh with a fine mineral streak.

Gold-tinged yellow. Showy nose combines passion fruit, peach, mint and nut oil. More peach and a slowly building floral quality in the mouth, along with a complicating element of exotic herbs and a mounting lemony presence. This big, rich wine benefits from ripe acidity that contributes to an impression of backbone, but still comes across as much lighter in style than other recent vintages of this wine. (Ian D’Agata)