A Flight of Whites

With summer here (although you might miss it if you blink) I was looking forward to a white wine tasting at Robert's Hanglage. No German wines..but he is planning that in August.
Ten wines..a battle between France and Italy with a Chilean taster to start.

De Gras Chardonnay 2008
Central Valley, Chile
Was a good wine at € 7,--. Some smoke and almonds, nicely package.
Points 13.5

Domaine de la Foliette 'Clos de la Fontaine, Muscadet de Sevre et Maine 2008
Loire, France
Only ever liked the 'sur Lie' style..this does nothing for me...drink VERY cold and occupy yourself with the food.
Points 10



Filippo Gallina Arneis 2008
Roere Arneis, Italy
Decent, clean aroma..nutty
Points 12

Zaccagnini Bianco de Ciccio 2008
Colline Pescarese, Italy
This is Trebbiano & 20% Chardonnay..again..clean and well-made.
Points 13.5







Terre di Franciacorte Curtefranca Bianco 2007
Ca' del Bosco
Burnt smoke..tight acidity..a step up in quality after the first 4.
Points 13.5

Thomas Morey Chardonnay 2007
Chassagne Montrachet, Burgundy, France
Fresh hay aroma..slightly musty..green apple flavour..citrus..lively acidity and a good finish
Points 14.5





Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Blanc 2007
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
Melons & honey..reminded me of Condrieu although no Viognier in the mix.
Exotic flavours..but remaining dry
Points 15

.....and so to one of my favourite producers.
I 'discovered' Vie de Romans a few years ago and have been constantly satisfied with their Sauvignon Blanc.
A benchmark for this grape.
I have never tried their Flors...would it live up to expectations?
Vie de Romans 'Flors di Uis' 2007
Friuli Isonzo, Italy
Oh yes...an unoaked Cuveé of Tocai friulano, Malvasia und Riesling..intense nose of honey and nuts..exotic flowery fruit...rich texture...excellent balance..long finish..lovely wine.
Points 17

Vie de Romans Chardonnay 2007
Friuli Isonzo, Italy
This is how to make Chardonnay...only 40% new oak..perfect balance..let the grape show it's character..perfume and acidity ..Gianfranco Gallo has it just right here..soft explosion on the palate and a long finish.
Points 16.75

The last wine..the most expensive..had a difficult time...
Domaine Michel Niellon Les Chaumes 1er Cru Clos de La Truffiere 2007
Chassagne Montrachet, Burgundy France
Closed bouquet..you need to work on the glass..a decant would have helped maybe...fresh acidity and complex flavours..but nothing that hits you yet....leave 3-4 years.
Points 16

Tasting finished..we could re-drink what we liked...guess where I went?