Bâtar by Querciabella: A White Wine Masterpiece from the Heart of Tuscany

When thinking of Tuscan wine, bold reds like Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino typically come to mind. But in the rolling hills of Greve in Chianti, Querciabella has created something truly unique — a white wine of Burgundian elegance and Tuscan soul: Bâtar.

At Tuscany Uncorked Society, we celebrate not only the iconic expressions of tradition but also the bold innovations that elevate Italian wine. Bâtar is one such innovation — a wine that has redefined what white wine can mean in Tuscany.

The Origins of Bâtar: A Bold Vision

The story of Bâtar begins in the 1980s, when Querciabella, under the guidance of founder Giuseppe Castiglioni, sought to create a white wine that could rival the great whites of Burgundy.

A passionate wine lover and Burgundy enthusiast, Castiglioni was inspired to produce a Chardonnay–Pinot Blanc blend in the Tuscan terroir. This was a bold move at a time when Tuscan whites were largely simple and rustic. The wine was originally named “Bâtard”, in reference to the famed Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru, but was later changed to Bâtar, blending homage with originality.

The result was a white wine with the structure, complexity, and aging potential of a fine Burgundy — but unmistakably rooted in Tuscany.

About Querciabella: A Leader in Organic and Biodynamic Winemaking

Founded in 1974, Querciabella quickly established itself as one of Tuscany’s most forward-thinking estates. Today, it is internationally recognized for its commitment to sustainability, vegan winemaking, and biodynamic agriculture.

• Certified organic since 1988
• Biodynamic practices introduced in 2000
• No animal-derived products used in any part of production

Querciabella’s wines — whether red or white — reflect a deep respect for nature, meticulous vineyard management, and a pursuit of quality over quantity. Bâtar is one of the estate’s flagship wines and a shining example of this philosophy.

What Makes Bâtar So Exceptional?

1. The Grape Blend

Bâtar is crafted from Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc — two noble varieties rarely grown together in Tuscany. The grapes are sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Greve and Radda in Chianti, where cooler temperatures allow for optimal ripening and freshness.

2. Vinification and Aging

The wine is fermented and aged in French oak barriques, with a careful balance between richness and elegance. Malolactic fermentation adds roundness, while lees aging brings texture and complexity.

3. Tasting Profile

• Appearance: Brilliant golden-yellow
• Aromas: Ripe stone fruit, citrus, vanilla, roasted nuts, and mineral notes
• Palate: Full-bodied yet graceful, with excellent balance between richness, acidity, and a long, savory finish
• Aging potential: 10–15 years or more in top vintages

Bâtar is a gastronomic white wine, equally suited to pairing with refined dishes — from truffle risotto to aged cheeses — or enjoyed slowly on its own.

Bâtar’s Place Among Italy’s Great Whites

Often referred to as “Italy’s finest white wine” by critics and collectors alike, Bâtar has earned consistent praise from international publications. It represents a rare category: a white wine from Tuscany with serious structure, global prestige, and cellar-worthiness.

While Italy is famed for its reds, Bâtar proves that white wine can also command reverence, complexity, and emotional depth — especially in the hands of a visionary estate like Querciabella.

Final Thoughts from Tuscany Uncorked Society

At Tuscany Uncorked Society, we believe that truly great wines tell a story — not only of the land, but of the people, philosophies, and passions behind them. Bâtar is more than just a white wine; it is a bold statement, a product of innovation, and a benchmark for excellence in Italian viticulture.

Whether you’re a collector, a sommelier, or a wine lover seeking something rare and refined, Bâtar deserves a place in your glass — and in your cellar.