Chardonnay 2021

• Vegan

The nose is concentrated and intense, with aromas of citrus and tropical fruits. On the palate, a sweet, unctuous impact, with flavors of ripe fruit and notes of vanilla contributed by aging in oak. An excellent natural acidity that gives it a long and persistent finish. 

The 2021 chardonnay is the first chardonnay to the OVIS portfolio. Our goal was to showcase the high valley terroir which highlights the essence of chardonnay in a warm climate. These 10 year old vines are planted on a sloped hillside in a cool ravine on our home ranch property. The topography of the site allows the vines to enjoy cool temperatures during the day, and relief from afternoon heat. These grapes retain their natural acidity due to the cooler nighttime temperatures, requiring no adjustments in the winery. The rocky, volcanic soils keep the plant vigor in check, while providing a sense of complexity and richness in the wine. These vines were harvested by hand in the early hours of the morning and transported to the winery with haste. Once the grapes were pressed and allowed to settle for two days, the juice was carefully racked to barrels for fermentation. We fermented the juice at 60˚F to preserve the delicate aromatics. The wine was aged fourteen months sur lie, with weekly barrel stirring, to add a gentle weight to the palate and decrease the need for added sulfites. The barrels selected were 100% French, 30% new oak from a variety of renowned cooperages. The combination of light and medium toast barrels add depth meant to accent the wine, not overpower it.