Chardonnay

ALTA ORSA · Hopland, CA, USA
Grapefruit, moist gravel, and granny smith apple. A racy entry dominated by citrus flavors is followed by a balanced and round mid-palate reminiscent of Meyer lemon sorbet. An electric finish, with slight green melon and ocean spray.

Farming
In conversion – practicing conservation tillage (no-till every other row), no herbicides, fish-friendly farming, and Sonoma County sustainable certified.

Harvest Method
Hand and mechanical with dual Pellanc fruit sorter.

Varietal
100% Chardonnay

Age of Vineyard
Various: 1990’s, 2000’s

Vessel
1⁄2 stainless, 1⁄2 neutral French oak

Vineyard Yield
4 tons / acre

Soil Type
Very gravelly alluvial fans

Annual Production
1200 bottles

Vinification
Harvested on September 1st at 22.1 Brix. Fermented and aged in 50% neutral oak barrels and 50% stainless steel at low temperatures to retain elegance and keep malolactic bacteria at bay. Stirred lees for one month after fermentation to balance acid and mouthfeel. Minimal sulfites used. No malolactic fermentation to retain freshness.