BACKGROUND This is the third production for us, and the latest addition to our growing line of creative white wines, our “wacky whites”. Having been the leader in bringing the clones from Burgundy (“Dijon” clones) that reinvented Oregon Chardonnay, we remain firm believers in the quality of the Chardonnay variety. With a traditionally crafted Chardonnay remaining in our lineup of wines, our venture into an “un-oaked” style allows a new opportunity to experience the potential of Chardonnay grapes grown in Oregon’s unique climate.
VINEYARDS The four Yamhill County vineyards in this blend – Quarter Mile Lane Vineyard,Bryan Creek Vineyard and Boulder Ridge in the Chehalem Mountains, and Stoller Vineyard in the Dundee Hills – are all on basaltic-origin, clay-loam soils. These soils are capable of holding enough water to support grapevines through our annual summer drought, thus insuring the development of intense fruit flavors.
WINEMAKING Gentle, whole-cluster pressing separated the juice from the skins of the Chardonnay grapes chosen for this wine. The juice was pumped to stainless steel tanks for a cool temperature fermentation process, and the wine was bottled in April of 2007. The style of winemaking we’ve chosen for the “CH” – cool temperature, stainless steel fermentation – leaves the pure fruit characteristics of the variety to shine through, showing you what Chardonnay tastes like without adornment from oak and malolactic (secondary) fermentation.
THE WINE Although not made in typical Chardonnay style, the stone fruit flavors, richness and minerality that are the hallmark of traditional Chardonnay are surely present in this wine. Rich and silky with no flavors hidden under oak, the CH sends hints of peaches and perfectly ripe pineapple and finishes with a touch of refreshing citrus zest. Pair with Alpine Cheeses (comte and fontina), rich chicken dishes, risotto or white fish.
We produced 1200 cases of the 2006 CH.
Other products in the category All Wines / Wacky Wines:
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