How would you describe the 2020 vintage?
A term that certainly summarizes the weather pattern of the 2020 vintage is "the year of climatic anomalies." Looking at temperature and rainfall data for the entire year, 2020 can be defined as a year with above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall. However, it is more useful to analyze the weather conditions during the vine's growing and productive period, which spans from April to October. An early vegetative start was followed by a June characterized by a significant drop in temperatures combined with recurrent rains and an equally rainy and cooler-than-average August. September saw warm and dry days, which facilitated the final stages of grape ripening.
How did the Chardonnay vines in our Maddalena vineyard perform?
The described climatic trend resulted in a delay in grape ripening, with the harvest occurring at full maturity in the first decade of September. Additionally, sampling the grapes on the vine during ripening until the harvest date showed a favorable picture for quality. In particular, the Chardonnay grapes reached harvest maintaining an interesting acidic profile thanks to the cool temperatures in August. The acidic balance of the grapes at harvest is a fundamental premise for obtaining interesting and quality white wines.
What were the strategic choices in the winery for this vintage?
The grapes, hand-harvested into crates, were, as always, placed whole into the pneumatic press, without separating the stems. Already at this initial stage, the free-run juice obtained from the gentle pressing showed an intact and clear color, with acidic parameters confirming the expected values. With the start of fermentation by our selected indigenous yeasts, fine and intense aromas were released, which turned out to be characteristic of the vintage. To complement the vintage's characteristics, a specific mix of new and used French oak barrels was chosen for the fermentation and aging of Silente. Additionally, batonage times were varied to respect the vintage's inherent finesse.
What is the final result in the glass?
The 2020 vintage of Silente presents itself with a deep yellow color with straw-colored reflections. On the nose, citrus and white flower notes are joined by hints of Mediterranean aromatic herbs. Aging in barrels completes the wine both on the nose and palate with delicate boisè notes. Gustatory finesse and elegance are certainly two descriptors of this wine.
What pairings are recommended for Silente delle Marne 2020 vintage?
This wine can certainly accompany an entire meal, starting with potato fritters, moving through a dish of gnocchi with Castelmagno cheese, and arriving at a rolled rabbit with herbs. Finally, a cheese board featuring typical Piedmont cheeses such as Maccagno, Bettelmat, and Toma di Murazzano, or why not, even 36-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
Buy Silente delle Marne
The winemaker talks about Silente delle Marne 2020
Novembre 2020
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