Frescobaldi Pomino Benefizio Riserva 2023

Winery Background and History

Benefizio is a historic single-vineyard Chardonnay creation from Castello Pomino—part of the Frescobaldi family estates. This cru, established in 1973, was the first white wine in Italy to undergo fermentation and aging in barriques, making it a landmark in Italian white winemaking tradition.

Producer and Winemaker

Produced by Frescobaldi’s skilled winemaking team at Castello Pomino, this wine exemplifies the mindful blend of tradition, precision, and continual refinement that characterizes modern Frescobaldi vintages.

Vineyards and Micro-Climate

The Benefizio vineyard sits at an elevation of approximately 700 m, surrounded by ancient fir and sequoia forests. The terrain features sandy soils, southern exposure, and a cool, mountain-influenced climate with significant diurnal shifts—ideal for preserving acidity and producing elegant Chardonnay.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested into crates with utmost care. After a soft pressing and cold clarification, the must undergoes alcoholic fermentation (and partial malolactic) in barriques (50 % new, 50 % second fill). The wine is then aged on the lees with bâtonnage and receives additional bottle aging before release.

Tasting Notes

The 2023 vintage appears a splendid straw-yellow with golden highlights. The bouquet is intense and complex, offering ripe white peach and pear followed by warm, sweet spice undertones. On the palate, it is highly structured, ethereal, and leaves a clean, lingering aftertaste.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with refined seafood, creamy risotto, and white meats—especially those prepared with subtle spice or herbal elements—where its elegance and structure can shine.

Service Methods and Temperature

Serve chilled at around 10–12 °C in a medium-stemmed white wine glass to best enjoy its aromatic complexity and fresh profile—no decanting needed.

Storage and Aging Potential

Thanks to its structure and oak aging, this wine can gracefully evolve over the next 5–7 years, developing greater complexity while retaining its signature freshness and precision.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

A blend of 80 % Chardonnay and 20 % Pinot Bianco, with some sources also referencing minor quantities of Traminer and Riesling—especially in older blends.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 13.5 %, according to general listings for Benefizio.