WINEMAKING
Hand harvested from SE facing vines on a gentle slope of the Calesa Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap AVA of the Sonoma Coast, whole clusters of the Clone 17 Chardonnay are carefully sorted and delicately pressed. Lush mouth feel and complex structure are augmented through barrel fermentation over several months in a cool cellar, sur lie with frequent stirring. An extended and complete malo-lactic fermentation follows through the following summer, for added depth. 50% new Francois Freres Cooperage French oak barrels for 16 months total time.
WINEMAKER AND PHILOSOPHY
Kirk Venge follows his father's creed, "making wine in the vineyard," and his grandfather's footsteps, on the Napa Valley soils where he was born and raised. Deep roots and decades’ experience have affirmed his approach from bud-break to barrel, from berry to bottle: “We garden our grapes.” A taste of authentic terroir… born in the vineyard, and raised in your glass.
TECHNICAL DATA:
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard: Calesa Vineyard, Block 9A
Appellation: Petaluma Gap AVA, Sonoma Coast
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest Date: August 30th, 2022
pH: 3.48
Total Acidity: 0.60 g/100ml
Bottling Date: April 10th, 2024
Total Production: 97 cases
