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Alois Lageder 2018 Chardonnay Alto Adige 12.5% $16 
The Alois Lageder winery has a plethora of positive attributes: biodynamic farming, viticultural and winemaking history in the family dating to 1823, classy packaging, reasonable pricing and - of course - good wine. Interestingly, while Chardonnay has been in Alto Adige since 1835, it didn't become popular there until about 150 years later. Tasting this, I have to wonder why it took so long!

Smooth and silky on the attack with a touch of mid-palate plumpness, the wine tastes like apple cores and Asian pears. The moderate finish is minerally, almondy and refreshing. As this medium-bodied wine starts to open up, this unoaked Chardonnay also begins to smell of freshly-baked baguette. Enjoy in its youth.
Drink: 2019-21