The release of Querciabella’s Batàr is always an exciting occasion, but this year is extra-special, as it marks the wine’s 30th anniversary. Not only is this a historically significant release, but it coincides with the 2018 vintage, which has taken on an almost mythical reputation in Tuscany, producing some of the greatest wines seen in decades.
Batàr, regarded as the first white Super Tuscan, is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. The latter of features some ‘Gouges Blanc’, mutated Pinot Noir with light-skinned grapes from Henri Gouges’ holdings in the Premier Cru vineyard of La Perrière in Nuits-St-Georges.
Winemaker Manfred Ing, who has made Chardonnay on four continents before settling in Tuscany in 2010, claims it is the Pinot Bianco which makes all the difference, adding texture and a real Tuscan identity. The wine is always full, rich, and complex, but over recent years, Manfred has been harvesting earlier, using less new oak and lees stirring, producing a much more taut, fruit-focused style.
Jancis Robinson MW described the winemaking approach as “almost exactly like a White Burgundy” and has noted several times that Batàr reminds her of Corton-Charlemagne in particular. Robinson has also previously stated that "Batàr is a wine unique among Italian whites, let alone Tuscan whites. It manages to be both rich and fresh and seems capable of evolving virtually forever.”
Querciabella Batàr 2018 | £336 IB (6x75cl)
A blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Bianco. Aged for 9 months in French oak (20% of which are new). 14% ABV.
"Cooked apple, honey and light vanilla with some stone and praline undertones. Full-bodied with layers of fruit and a flavorful finish. White peaches, too. Fantastic white. From biodynamically and organically grown chardonnay and pinot bianco. Drink now." 95/100 points. James Suckling
"The 2018 Batàr is perfumed and gracious, with lovely orchard fruit, chamomile and floral notes that lift effortlessly from the glass. A wine of total precision and nuance, the 2018 is simply exquisite today. Stylistically it is a bit more perfumed and lighter than is the norm." 93/100 points. Antonio Galloni
"Mid straw colour. Restrained nose with some sweetness but not obvious alcohol – so not like California Chardonnay! Almondy – a bit like Corton-Charlemagne. Not as savoury as Bâtard-Montrachet! Though it does have weight." 17/20 points. Jancis Robinson MW
BUY NOW
Please note prices quoted are per case (as stated) In Bond, and exclude UK Duty, VAT and delivery charges. The wine is due to arrive in our bonded warehouse in December 2021.
