Skyside North Coast Chardonnay

The 2018 season produced a great vintage of wine. The winter rains allowed adequate water and led into a mild spring. This allowed the vines to develop comfortably, and the mild summer weather maintained good temperatures without any excessive heat. Leading into harvest, the vines developed well allowing for early flavor development at low sugars, maintaining their natural acidity. Harvested from September 10th till October 5th.

Each lot is harvested separately and pressed in the cool mornings. These lots remain separate as they slowly ferment in a combination of tank and barrels to balance freshness, vibrancy and richness. All lots receive weekly battonage to build complexity and roundness. Additionally, partial malolactic fermentation, also called MLF (approximately 30%), is used. Partial malolactic fermentation is used as a blending tool and to help round out the texture. The wine is then aged during 7 months in a combination of French oak barrels (20% new) and stainless-steel tank to preserve freshness and complexity. Proportion of tanks and barrels is respectively 35%/65% during both fermentation and aging. Skyside Chardonnay 2018 can be enjoyed now and for up to four years.

Skyside selects the best grapes from the North Coast appellation to create a Chardonnay that is vibrant, subtle and delicate.

Tasting Notes:

Skyside Chardonnay 2018 shows beautiful aromas of honeysuckle, bright citrus notes of Meyer lemon and mandarin orange followed by aromas of apricot and white peach. The wine enters subtly, filling the mid-palate with peach and citrus fruit notes. These flavors linger as they weave together with subtle oak notes and elegant acidity to lengthen the finish.

Food Paring:

This wine will pair well with a lot of dishes like Meyer lemon whole roasted chicken or oven baked salmon and warm winter salad with roasted squash and persimmon.

Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Origin: North Coast, California, United States.