2010 Batar
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Tasting notes
50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Bianco. ‘The 2010 vintage was marked by erratic springtime weather and significant summer rainfall accompanied by dramatic day and night temperature fluctuations. Due to the cool conditions, the picking was delayed to allow grapes some beneficial extra hanging time.’ Harvest 3–10 September. Winemaker Manfred Ing's first vintage. Deep golden coppery colour. Much more mature than the 2011. Some green-fruit character – yellow-plum flavours. Good acidity. Round and fully blossomed. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Brilliant straw. Minerally peach and lemon nose with a layer of creamy oak. Compact, fine, minerally and fruit driven. Lovely bitter almond note. Seems very young and a little bit reluctant on the finish. Brooding richness. (WS)
The 2010 Batàr wraps around the palate with juicy peaches, apricots, flowers, spices and French oak. This is a decidedly ripe, opulent style for a cold year. Querciabella has made gigantic strides with their Sangiovese program over the last few years; perhaps that is why this Pinot Blanc/Chardonnay blend seems a bit stuck in the past.
The 2010 Batar wraps around the palate with juicy peaches, apricots, flowers, spices and French oak. This is a decidedly ripe, opulent style for a cold year. Querciabella has made gigantic strides with their Sangiovese program over the last few years; perhaps that is why this Pinot Blanc/Chardonnay blend seems a bit stuck in the past. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. Querciabella is located in the hillsides of Greve, one of the most beautiful corners of Chianti Classico. Proprietor Sebastiano Cossia Castiglione, one of the most thoughtful and conscientious owners in Italy, has quietly sought to ramp up the quality of his wines in a big way. Castiglione has enlisted the services of Vietti's Luca Currado to help him reach a number of ambitious goals. Recently acquired vineyards that give birth to single-village wines will start appearing in the estate's lineup as soon as next year. These new releases are a step in a new direction, although 2010 was not the easiest of years, especially for the reds. The estate did not make its flagships Camartina and Palafreno in 2009. Importer: Maison Marques & Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000
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.