2022 Tenuta Regaleali Bianco Magnum

Tasca d'Almerita behoort tot de meest toonaangevende wijnfamilies van Italië en laat tegelijk zien hoe veelzijdig Siciliaanse wijn kan zijn, van klassiek Sicilië tot de vulkanische hellingen van de Etna.

Tasca d'Almerita: een van de grote wijnfamilies van Sicilië

Tasca d'Almerita is een historisch Siciliaans wijnhuis met een geschiedenis die teruggaat tot 1830. De familie Tasca behoort al generaties lang tot de belangrijkste wijnproducenten van Sicilië en speelde een belangrijke rol in de internationale opkomst van Siciliaanse kwaliteitswijn. Waar Sicilië vroeger vooral bekend stond om grote volumes wijn, liet Tasca al vroeg zien dat het eiland ook verfijnde, terroirgedreven kwaliteitswijnen kon voortbrengen.

Tegenwoordig staat de achtste generatie van de familie aan het roer. Wat Tasca d'Almerita bijzonder maakt, is dat het niet één enkel wijnhuis betreft, maar een familiebedrijf met meerdere domeinen verspreid over Sicilië. Elk domein, of tenuta, heeft een eigen identiteit, terroir en focus op specifieke druivenrassen. Daardoor produceert Tasca een breed scala aan stijlen, van frisse witte wijnen en krachtige Siciliaanse blends tot verfijnde vulkanische Etna-wijnen.

Meer informatie over de geschiedenis en filosofie van de producent vindt u onder het tabblad Wijnhuis.

De verschillende domeinen van Tasca d'Almerita

Binnen Tasca d'Almerita vallen meerdere wijnhuizen verspreid over Sicilië. Het historische hart van de familie is Tenuta Regaleali, gelegen in het binnenland van Sicilië tussen Palermo en Catania. Hier liggen de wijngaarden op hoogtes tussen circa 500 en 900 meter boven zeeniveau, wat zorgt voor koele nachten en behoud van frisheid in de druiven.

Naast Regaleali bezit de familie verschillende andere domeinen, waaronder Capofaro op de Eolische eilanden, Sallier de La Tour in Monreale, Whitaker nabij Marsala en Tenuta Tascante op de Etna. Hoewel deze domeinen onderdeel zijn van dezelfde familie, worden ze vaak afzonderlijk gepositioneerd vanwege hun volledig eigen stijl en herkomst.

Dat geldt zeker voor Tenuta Tascante, dat binnen Tasca d'Almerita een bijna zelfstandige identiteit heeft opgebouwd als specialist in Etna-wijnen.

Tenuta Tascante: het Etna-project van Tasca d'Almerita

Tenuta Tascante is geen losstaand wijnbedrijf, maar het gespecialiseerde Etna-domein van Tasca d'Almerita. De naam Tascante is een combinatie van Tasca en Etna en onderstreept de sterke focus op deze bijzondere vulkanische regio.

Op de noordelijke hellingen van de Etna werkt de familie met verspreide wijngaarden op hoogtes tussen circa 600 en 1000 meter. Hier zorgen vulkanische bodems, grote temperatuurverschillen tussen dag en nacht en hoogte voor een heel andere wijnstijl dan in de rest van Sicilië. De wijnen zijn verfijnder, frisser en opvallend mineraal.

Vooral de rode wijnen van Nerello Mascalese staan centraal. Deze druif levert elegante rode wijnen met spanning, rode bessen, kruidigheid en verfijnde tannines. Niet zelden worden Etna Rosso-wijnen vergeleken met Pinot Noir of Nebbiolo vanwege hun finesse en transparantie.

Bij Tascante speelt terroir een grote rol. Er wordt gewerkt met verschillende contrada’s, afzonderlijke percelen met elk een eigen bodemstructuur, hoogte en expositie. Dat doet denken aan het denken in cru’s in Bourgogne, waarbij herkomst bepalend is voor het karakter van de wijn.

Druivenrassen en stijl

Op de verschillende domeinen werkt Tasca d'Almerita met zowel internationale als authentieke Siciliaanse druivenrassen. Zo worden onder andere Nero d’Avola, Catarratto, Grillo en Inzolia gecombineerd met druiven zoals Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay en Sauvignon Blanc.

Binnen Tenuta Tascante ligt de nadruk vooral op de Etna-druiven Nerello Mascalese en Carricante, die perfect aansluiten bij het koele vulkanische terroir van de Etna.

Duurzaamheid en precisie in de wijngaard

Tasca d'Almerita investeert al jaren in duurzame wijnbouw en biodiversiteit. Gezonde wijngaarden, zorgvuldig waterbeheer en respect voor de natuur spelen een belangrijke rol binnen alle domeinen van de familie.

In de kelder ligt de focus op precisie en het zo goed mogelijk laten spreken van terroir. De stijl van de wijnen blijft daardoor zuiver en herkomstgedreven, waarbij frisheid en balans centraal staan.

Waarom Tasca d'Almerita en Tenuta Tascante zo interessant zijn

Wie Siciliaanse wijn wil begrijpen, komt al snel uit bij Tasca d'Almerita. Het wijnhuis laat de enorme veelzijdigheid van Sicilië zien, van hoger gelegen inlandse wijngaarden tot kustgebieden en vulkanische terroirs.

Tenuta Tascante vormt daarbij een bijzonder hoofdstuk. Hoewel het onderdeel is van Tasca d'Almerita, heeft het Etna-domein een duidelijke eigen identiteit opgebouwd en behoort het inmiddels tot de toonaangevende producenten van verfijnde Etna-wijnen. Voor liefhebbers van elegante, minerale en terroirgedreven rode en witte wijnen van de Etna is Tascante zonder twijfel een naam om te onthouden.

Italy is one of the most diverse wine countries in the world. From crisp whites in the north to bold reds in the south; each region brings its own character and specialties. Think of the refined Barolos from Piedmont, the classic Chiantis from Tuscany, and of course the iconic Supertuscans: powerful, modern wines that blend international grape varieties with Italian tradition. On this page, you'll dive into the world of Italian wines, rich in flavor, history, and passion.

The History of Italian Wine

Italy is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. As early as the time of the Etruscans and later the Romans, wine was cultivated and exported on a large scale. The Romans not only spread grapevines across Europe but also their knowledge of viticulture and winemaking. Over the centuries, wine became deeply embedded in Italian culture and cuisine. Each region developed its own style and traditions, resulting in the incredible diversity of wines we see in Italy today.

Famous Italian Grape Varieties

Italy is home to hundreds of native grape varieties, making the country unique in the wine world. Some of the most well-known include:

Sangiovese

The signature grape of Tuscany, known from Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Nebbiolo 

A noble variety from Piedmont, responsible for Barolo and Barbaresco.

Montepulciano 

Widely used in Abruzzo, producing bold and juicy wines.

Aglianico

A powerful red grape from Southern Italy, especially Campania and Basilicata.

Vermentino 

A fresh white grape from Liguria, Sardinia, and Tuscany.

Glera 

The base grape for Prosecco, originating from Veneto and Friuli.

In addition, international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay are also widely used, often found in modern ‘Super Tuscans’.

Wine Styles from Italy

Italy produces a wide variety of wine styles, ranging from light and crisp to deep and complex:

Red wine: Chianti, Barolo, Amarone, Nero d’Avola, Primitivo
White wine: Soave, Verdicchio, Gavi, Pinot Grigio
Sparkling wine: Prosecco, Franciacorta, TrentoDOC
Dessert wine: Vin Santo, Moscato d’Asti, Passito di Pantelleria

Super Tuscans: Rebellious and Iconic

In the 1970s, a new category of wine emerged in Tuscany: the Super Tuscans. Winemakers such as Sassicaia, Tignanello, and Ornellaia chose to craft high-quality wines outside the strict DOC regulations. They used international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, often blended with Sangiovese. These wines quickly conquered the global market and put Tuscany back on the map — this time as a region of innovation and excellence.

Important Wine Regions of Italy

Italy has 20 wine regions, each with its own character and specialties. Some of the most notable are:

• Tuscany – famous for Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Super Tuscans.
• Piedmont – home to Nebbiolo, Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera.
• Veneto – known for Amarone, Valpolicella, Soave, and of course Prosecco.
• Puglia – sun-drenched wines from Primitivo and Negroamaro.
• Sicily – increasingly popular for wines made from Nero d’Avola and Etna Rosso.
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia – top-quality white wines from Friulano and Sauvignon, among others.

Iconic Italian Wineries

Italy is home to many internationally renowned wineries. Some of the most iconic include:

• Antinori (Tuscany) – a centuries-old winery and pioneer of the Super Tuscan movement.
• Gaja (Piedmont) – revolutionary producer of Barbaresco and Langhe wines.
• Tenuta San Guido (Tuscany) – creator of the legendary Sassicaia.
• Ca’ del Bosco (Lombardy) – a master in Franciacorta sparkling wines.

Buy Italian Wine at Grandcruwijnen

At Grandcruwijnen, you'll find a broad and carefully curated selection of Italian wines — from classic Chianti to elegant Barolo and lively Franciacorta. Whether you're looking for an accessible everyday wine or an iconic bottle for your cellar, we have it. Easily order online or pick up in Dordrecht. Our team of wine experts is ready with personal advice and food pairing suggestions to help you make the perfect choice.

White wine is a beloved beverage appreciated worldwide for its fresh, fruity, and sometimes complex flavor profile. White wine ranges from dry to sweet and can feature light citrus notes, tropical fruit, and floral aromas. Well-known varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling, each with unique characteristics depending on climate and aging. White wine is often served chilled and pairs wonderfully with fish dishes, salads, and soft cheeses.

Explore the World of White Wine: Quality, Flavor, and Diversity

Welcome to Grandcruwijnen, your online destination for a wide selection of white wines from around the globe. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious bottle to enjoy, our collection offers a range of flavors, from classic labels to hidden gems.

White Wine: An Art of Grape and Terroir

White wine, made by fermenting grape juice without skins, stems, or seeds, offers a diverse experience shaped by grape variety, region, climate, and winemaking methods. From the fruity aromas of a Burgundy Chardonnay to the vibrant notes of a Chilean Chardonnay, each bottle tells its own story.

Discover Our Selection of White Wines

At Grandcruwijnen, we offer a carefully curated selection of white wines for every taste and occasion. Whether you're looking for an elegant Sauvignon Blanc, a refreshing Verdejo, or a full-bodied Riesling, we have it all. But we also go beyond the familiar names. We feature wines from lesser-known grapes like Godello, Albariño, Viura, Vermentino, and Grillo, each offering unique character and surprising flavors.

Our white wine collection spans regions and countries—from the traditional wine regions of France to the emerging markets of Argentina, New Zealand, and Spain. Whether you're seeking the finesse of a French Chablis or the liveliness of an Argentine Torrontés, you’ll find exactly what you're looking for at Grandcruwijnen.

Sweet White Wine: A Tempting Delicacy

Indulge in the sweet temptations of our sweet white wines selection. Discover the lush flavors and delightful aromas that make these wines truly unique. Whether it’s an elegant Moscato, a rich Riesling Auslese, or a refreshing late harvest wine, our collection of sweet white wines is sure to surprise and delight you.

Dry White Wine: Refined and Balanced

For lovers of dry white wine, we offer an extensive selection of refined and balanced wines. From the crisp minerality of a Sauvignon Blanc to the complexity of a Chardonnay, our dry white wines embody elegance and finesse. Let yourself be surprised by the diverse flavors and aromas these wines have to offer.

Alcohol-Free White Wine

Alcohol-free white wine is an excellent alternative for those who want to enjoy the flavor and experience of wine without the effects of alcohol. These wines are traditionally made, with the alcohol carefully removed while preserving as much of the original aroma and character as possible. The result is a fresh, light-bodied wine that pairs perfectly with light dishes, as an aperitif, or simply as a refreshing glass at any time of day. At Grandcruwijnen, you’ll find a high-quality selection of alcohol-free white wines crafted by producers who specialize in this refined category.

Types of White Wine

Discover the diversity of white wine styles at Grandcruwijnen. From familiar names like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to hidden gems like Godello and Vermentino, there’s something for everyone in our extensive collection. Embark on a flavorful journey and discover new favorites to enjoy.

Order White Wine Online at Grandcruwijnen

At Grandcruwijnen, ordering white wine is easy and fast. Browse our extensive selection, choose your favorites, and place your order with confidence. We are committed to quality and customer satisfaction and are proud to offer you the best white wines—delivered straight to your doorstep.

Chardonnay might just be the most versatile white grape in the world. From crisp, mineral Chablis to rich and creamy Napa Valley wines, this grape can do it all. No wonder winemakers and wine lovers can’t get enough of it. 

Chardonnay history and origin

The birthplace of Chardonnay is Burgundy, France. The small village of Chardonnay in the Mâconnais region gave the grape its name. It’s believed to be a natural crossing between Pinot and the ancient Gouais Blanc. Already in the Middle Ages, Chardonnay was recognized as a grape with great potential.

Burgundy is still the ultimate reference point. From Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault come some of the most refined examples. In Chablis, Chardonnay is the star: sharp, mineral, and refreshing.

In Champagne, it’s often blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Sometimes it shines solo, in a Blanc de Blancs, showing just how adaptable Chardonnay really is.

Ideal conditions for Chardonnay

Chardonnay can grow almost anywhere, but it thrives best on limestone soils. In cooler climates it delivers high acidity and a lean style. In warmer regions you’ll get riper fruit flavors and a fuller body. Winemakers can influence the style further through oak aging and batonnage (stirring the lees). That’s why wines from the same grape can taste so completely different.

Chardonnay around the world

Outside France, Chardonnay has conquered the globe. In California—especially Napa Valley and Sonoma—it’s loved in a richer, more opulent style with tropical fruit and a touch of vanilla from oak. In Australia, regions like Yarra Valley and Margaret River produce both crisp and powerful versions. South Africa, Chile, and Argentina add their own twists. Even in cooler New Zealand, Chardonnay thrives, often showing lively acidity and pure fruit.

Typical characteristics of Chardonnay wines

Chardonnay is a true chameleon. In Chablis you’ll taste lemon, green apple, and salty minerality. In Burgundy you get more depth, often with notes of butter, hazelnut, and white stone fruit. In the New World, flavors lean toward pineapple, mango, and ripe peach. Winemaking choices matter too: oak brings roundness, creaminess, and hints of vanilla or toast, while stainless steel preserves freshness and a clean profile.

What to eat with Chardonnay?

Chardonnay’s versatility makes it a natural match at the table. A few go-to pairings:

• Chablis: oysters, sushi, ceviche
• Burgundy: roast chicken with lemon, creamy pasta, comté cheese
• Champagne Blanc de Blancs: shellfish, light cheeses
• New World Chardonnay: grilled salmon, lobster with butter, soft cheeses

The rule of thumb: light Chardonnay with light dishes, fuller styles with richer foods. That way, everything stays in balance.

Fun facts about Chardonnay

– Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape variety in the world.

– In the 1990s, the “ABC movement” (Anything But Chardonnay) appeared because the grape had become so dominant. Ironically, it never lost its popularity. At Grandcruwijnen, ABC means Au Bon Climat these days!

– Champagne made only from Chardonnay is called “Blanc de Blancs,” known for its freshness and finesse.

– Winemakers often call it a “winemaker’s grape,” because it offers so many possibilities in the cellar.

Order Chardonnay online?

At Grandcruwijnen you’ll find a wide selection of Chardonnays: from crisp Chablis to rich Burgundies and characterful New World bottles. All wines are stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse. Picking up your order yourself? You’ll receive an instant discount, visible right away when you select ‘Afhalen’ (Pick-up) at checkout.