This is an unoaked but characterful Chardonnay from Emilia-Romagna, made in a rounded, food-friendly style. Despite the absence of oak, it has a creamy texture and a gentle buttery note, coming from ripeness and handling rather than barrel ageing.

The flavours lean towards ripe orange and baked apple, with enough weight and length to feel satisfying rather than simple. It’s a white that really comes into its own at the table, where its texture and warmth make sense of the richness.

The wine comes from the Montaia vineyard in the foothills around Cesena, a few miles inland from the Adriatic. The nearby sea brings a constant breeze, helping to keep the vines healthy and the wines balanced, even in warmer years.

This cuvée is part of the Wickhams Garden of Italy range. Each bottle carries a label designed by Tonino Guerra, a celebrated poet, writer and artist from Romagna, and a long-time admirer of Montaia’s wines. His work, like the wines themselves, reflects a belief in quality over quantity and a close link between place, culture and craft.

Food Pairing

This is a wine that wants food. It works well with roast chicken, salmon, or dishes with a bit of richness, such as a parmesan risotto, where the wine’s weight and texture come into their own.