Cantina Andriano Somereto Chardonnay 2020

Wine Advocate 92

Cantina Andriano was founded in 1893 and was the first cooperative in Alto Adige. The vineyards are unique to the area because they are protected to the west by Mount Gantkofel which is made of dolomite rock and calcareous stone. The sedimentary rock from this peak over the years has eroded and settled forming a downward sloping hill of deposited soil at the base of this valley that expands like a fan from the mouth of the valley, over an area of 200º from south-southeast to northeast and at an altitude of 260-340 meters above sea level. This fertile calcareous clay soil is typical of the area and leaves its footprint in the wine's character. The vineyards see the sun from early morning to mid afternoon. These cooler climatic conditions with respect to other areas in Alto Adige are responsible for the crisp acidity in the wines that give them their unique complexity and freshness. The wines are elegant with good aging potential. In September 2008, Cantina Andriano was absorbed into the cooperative of Cantina Terlano, a move to unify these two cooperatives who are in the same small DOC of Terlano. The Andriano wines however are kept completely separate, as they have their distinct traits, terroir and history. The staff of Terlano manage the vineyards, vinification procedures, and the sales of Andriano wines. Andriano is adopting the same philosophy of Terlano wines: high-quality terroir wines.