Cool Climate Chardonnay Regional Focus: CALIFORNIA
What Makes a Cool Climate in California? Geography – Proximity to Pacific Ocean – Coastal Valleys configuration Weather Patterns – Cool, foggy mornings – Short periods of heat – Afternoon winds drop temperatures by 5C – Fog becomes heavy at night and lasts through the morning
Monterey, California Chardonnay: – 6,505 ha planted – 41% of total plantings Climate Conditions: – Cool, foggy mornings – Sunny, warm days – Heat dissipates by 3pm due to wind Typical Character: – Tropical fruit, crisp citrus, full bodied, full flavored, broad palette Salinas Monterey Bay
Carneros, Sonoma/Napa County Chardonnay: – 2700 hectares planted Climate Conditions: – San Francisco Bay influences – Combination of summer fog, warm days, and afternoon wind Typical Character: – Citrus, green apple, crisp and concentrated, malo-lactic, some barrel fermentation
Other Important “Cool” Areas Mendocino – Anderson Valley (One of the coolest districts) Russian River Valley – Western Sonoma (2500 hectares) Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo – 5,000 hectares – Home of “Sideways” and very cool
Vineyard and Winery Trends Vineyard Trends Higher density plantings Sustainable practices Cover crops for soil structure Canopy Management Water management Vine nutrition Winery Trends Night picking for cool fruit Whole cluster pressing Lowering phenolics in juice Less oak and more Sur Lie aging
CURRENT STYLISTIC TRENDS – Bright and crisp fruit, not over ripe – Balanced Oak to no oak – Sur Lie complexity – Balanced alcohol levels – More consumer friendly style Chardonnay Evolution in California
2008 Chardonnay – Monterey Delicate floral aromas, tropical fruit and hints of honey. The palate delivers layers of crisp minerality, bright stone fruit and citrus notes. Balanced acidity and luscious fruit lead to a soft, juicy finish. Appellation: Monterey Alcohol: 14.5% Brix:24° ° Residual Sugar: 0.50 g/100ml Total Acid: 0.68 g/100ml Final pH: 3.48 Barrel Aging:3 months - French and American Oak Cases produced: 10,000