The 2011 Alto Adige Chardonnay Riserva Castel Ringberg is an absolutely counterintuitive wine. In a nutshell, it fits all the canons of an “oaky chard.” As banal as that may sound, this is actually a rare feat for an Italian wine, no less a wine from the cool climate Dolomites, where less obvious stylistic expression reigns supreme. Buttery notes of toasted almond and baked peach underpin sweet spice and exotic fruit. Allier barrique is used in full force and the wine sits on its lees for ten months growing in intensity and texture. Mineral notes and fresh acidity complete the picture.