Kellerei-Cantina Andrian works with growers spread over 80 hectares between 260 and 800m above sea level in the DOC area on the western side of the Adige River. The soils are limestone-rich providing depth and tension to the wines. Despite its location between Trento and the Alps, the climate here is quite Mediterranean, but also benefits from cool evenings in the ripening period due to downslope breezes from Mount Gantkofel.
The grapes for Andrian’s Riserva Chardonnay come from clay-limestone soils interspersed with angular white dolomite rock off the middle slopes of the Alto Adige DOC. Yields are very tightly controlled here to ensure a hedonistic and forward-styled Chardonnay with ample acidity and complexity of flavour. Fermentation was in tonneaux, a slow and natural process that allowed malolactic to progress. After 12 months here on fine lees, the wine was transferred to steel for three months before bottling.
2023
“Intense, bright straw yellow with a light golden hue. Inviting and yellow-fruity nose, rich, of ripe apple, banana, hazelnut, precious wood, with subtle hints of cold butter and iodine. Fruity on the palate, with beautiful tension and a clear mid-palate, picks up again at the back, powerful, with an elegant, salty finish.” 94 points, Falstaff
2022
“Bright, sparkling straw yellow in colour with light gold reflections. Elegant reduction on the nose, with aromas of flint, struck match, ripe yellow fruit, fresh banana, slightly exotic, but also a lovely freshness, of sage and elderflower. Reveals great complexity on the palate, with a lovely freshness and a clear feel, layered, persistent and precise.” 94 points, Falstaff
“Bona fide varietal typicity exuding roasted hazelnut and buttery notes amid a plume of floral and herbal elegance. Complex and rounded with a fresh salty finish.” Gold, Decanter World Wine Awards 2025
