In the glass

Full-bodiedLow tanninMedium acidityDryLong, Toasty finish

Aroma: ripe peach, toast, vanilla, tropical fruit

Palate: rich stone fruit, creamy texture, toasted oak, long

Rapitala Grand Cru is the estate's flagship Chardonnay: a full barrique-fermented Sicilian Chardonnay from the Camporeale hillside estate combining tropical fruit richness with a toasty-creamy Burgundian framework.

What it pairs with

  • Risotto ai funghi porcini
    The wine's creamy, toasty depth complements rich mushroom risotto.
  • Grilled lobster
    Full-bodied barrique Chardonnay is the classical match for grilled lobster.
  • Veal with cream and morels
    Vanilla-toast notes and rich body pair seamlessly with cream-based veal.

History

Rapitala was established in the Sicilian hinterland of Camporeale in 1968 through a partnership between Count Hugues de la Gatinais and the Guarrasi family. Grand Cru was developed as their prestige Chardonnay, bearing the name influenced by the Burgundian classification despite having no official Italian Grand Cru status.

  1. 1968 — Tenuta Rapitala established by Franco-Sicilian partnership in Camporeale
  2. 1990 — Grand Cru Chardonnay developed as prestige flagship white

Facts

Producer
Tenuta Rapitala
Grapes
Chardonnay (100%)
Classification
Sicilia DOC
Oak
Fermented and aged in new French barriques, 8-10 months with batonnage
ABV
14.0%
Price
EUR 22-35 at retail
Drinking window
3-8 from vintage
First vintage
1990

Tags

chardonnay dry full body hidden gem medium acid medium term mood bold mood elegant occasion dinner party occasion special old world pairs with mushroom pairs with poultry pairs with shellfish price trade up still white
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