Alta Maria Chardonnay

Alta Maria Chardonnay

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • The Alta Maria Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay is a blend of 2 iconic vineyards, Gold Coast and Nielson Vineyard. It comes from alder vines averaging 20 to 25 years of age.
  • James Ontiveros and his team oversee every aspect of the winemaking process.
  • Sustainable Farming is used.
  • The vines are a mix of older and newer plantings and clones.

Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay

Elaboration: Hand harvested at night to preserve character, the whole clusters were pressed and fermented in 40% new French Oak, then underwent Malolactic Fermentation.  Half of the batch saw extended lees contact for eight months before bottling.

Tasting Notes:  The aromatics are led by citrus flowers, lemon, verbena, tea, Granny Smith, and crab apple tartness, but a slight touch of Troncais spice. Midweight, both taught and mouth filling. It’s both balanced and generous and texture with a pleasant lingering finish.

PRESS

n/a

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

Alta Maria Vineyards was established in 2005 by James Ontiveros who also owns Ranchos de Ontiveros, featuring estate-sourced, single-site, single-vineyard wine. His Native9 Pinot Noir represents the ninth generation of the Ontiveros family in California, going back to a 1781 land grant within the pueblo of Los Angeles. The family’s roots trace back to La Rioja in Old Spain in the 1500s.

Eventually, James’ fifth great-grandfather, Don Juan Pacifico Ontiveros, and his wife, Doña Martina, moved their extensive farming operation north to Santa Barbara County in search of water and more land. They settled in what would become the town of Santa Maria.

While James’ estate wines are crafted with an old-world approach, Alta Maria wines celebrate the fruit of the appellation. They are light, fresh, and savory. The name Alta means high or elevated and exudes a refined aura that, like fine wine, will age well. The name Maria is an homage to the ancestors of James Ontiveros who left a legacy of love for the lush Santa Maria River valley.

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