2016 Frescobaldi Pomino Benefizio Riserva Chardonnay

• 2020 Gambero Rosso winery of the year!
• Epitome of Tuscan Chardonnay
• 97pt vintage 
• Free shipping on 6 or more bottles of this wine

About the Wine

Since being first introduced to the estate in 1855, the Benefizio Riserva has become the embodiment of Chardonnay in Tuscany. In 1878, Pomino was put on the international stage and officially recognized for producing high quality wines after being awarded the Gold Medal at the Paris Exposition. In 1973, the first production of Benefizio emerge, it became the first barrel-fermented white wine in Italy. Barrel-fermentations are becoming increasingly more common amongst the top white wine producers throughout the world, most prominently used in the production of white Burgundy. 

The history of the Frescobaldi family starts over a thousand years ago and is closely connected with the history of Tuscany. At the high point of medieval Florence, the Frescobaldis spread their influence as bankers, earning the title of treasures to the English crown. A little later, with the flowering of the Renaissance, they became patrons of major works in Florence, such as the construction of the Santa Trinita bridge and the Basilica of Santo Spirito.

Ageing: 10 months in 50% new French oak and 4 months in the bottle

Tasting notes: The 2016 Benefizio is a soft golden wine that glows in the glass. The elegant woody notes of hazelnut and spicy aromas are perfectly balanced by the floral scents of acacia and lilac. The wine is well balanced by its freshness and presents significant depth and complexity to the palate that is further enhanced by a dried fruit finish. 

Reviews

This pure expression of Chardonnay is exceptionally silky, smooth and direct. The 2016 Pomino Bianco Riserva Benefizio Castello di Pomino offers a vibrant and energetic bouquet with tension and abundant crisp, citrusy flavors. There is elegant mineral definition of flint and crushed oyster shell that gives the wine its backbone. This is a lean and compact expression that offers more in terms of length and persistence than it does textual richness per se. This is an elegant white wine that benefits from high altitude, cool-climate growing conditions.~93RP

This is an attractive nose with cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, preserved lemons and dried apricots. Full body with layers of stone and tropical fruit. A fleshy finish that remains in tune, all thanks to bright acidity. ~ 92JS

Pomino's flagship 2016 Benefizio is understated and yet beautifully resonant in the glass. Orange peel, lemon confit, chamomile and lightly buttered notes are all laced together in this light to medium-bodied white. More than anything else, though, in 2016, the Benefizio impresses with its balance and sense of harmony. ~92Vinous

***Free shipping on 6 or more bottles of this wine***