Vie Di Romans 2023 Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo Ciampagnis

A refined and expressive Italian white that melds crisp minerality, vibrant orchard fruit, and elegant oak nuance with striking precision. The 2023 Vie di Romans Ciampagnis Chardonnay offers polished energy and layered complexity — a Chardonnay that rewards both immediate enjoyment and thoughtful tasting.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Hailing from the Friuli Isonzo DOC in northeast Italy, this Chardonnay comes from the Ciampagnis site — a historic vineyard renowned for its glacial alluvial soils and cool breezes from the Isonzo River. These conditions foster bright acidity, precise fruit expression, and a mineral spine that distinguish Chardonnay in this terroir from warmer regions.

Vie di Romans, a respected estate known for its dedication to varietal clarity and refined winemaking, handles this wine with meticulous attention:

• Hand-harvested fruit from vineyards planted on deep, well-drained soils

• Gentle pressing and temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve freshness

• A period of elevage in French oak (portion new, portion seasoned) to add structure and depth without overwhelming the fruit

• Lees aging and careful stirring to build texture and complexity

The result is a wine with both tension and sophistication — fresh and inviting in youth, structured enough for nuanced development.

Critics Reviews & Scores

This wine has garnered strong praise from professional reviewers for its finesse and clarity:

James Suckling – 93 points
Suckling highlights its bright fruit and subtle oak interplay, praising how white peach and citrus blossom are framed by fresh acidity and a chalky mineral thread.

Wine Enthusiast – 92 points
Reviewers note the clarity and precision of the 2023 vintage, emphasizing the wine’s energetic core, fine texture, and lingering finish that bridges fruit ripeness with elegant restraint.

Decanter – 92 points
Critics commend its balanced oak integration and mineral drive, remarking on the complexity of orchard fruit and citrus zest layered with saline undertones.

Across professional commentary, the consensus frames this Chardonnay as polished and assured, a terroir-forward Italian white with both immediate appeal and subtle depth.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Bright and elegant, with aromas of white peach, green apple, and lemon blossom, complemented by toasted almond, jasmine, and a hint of brioche. Underneath, a mineral note — wet stone and sea spray — adds aromatic lift.

Palate:
Medium-bodied and beautifully structured. Crisp citrus (lemon zest, grapefruit) and orchard fruit (pear, white peach) lead, weaving into layers of creamy vanilla, toasted hazelnut, and wet stone minerality. Well-integrated oak provides frame without weight, allowing fruit purity and acid energy to shine.

Finish:
Long, clean, and refined — lingering citrus pith, mineral salinity, and gentle oak spice fade gracefully, leaving a poised and refreshing aftertaste.

Quick Overview