Marimar Estate La Masia Chardonnay
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The La Masía Chardonnay is grown in the Russian River Valley on the Don Miguel Vineyard. The Don Miguel Vineyard is named after the late patriarch of the Torres family.
- La Masía means “The Farmhouse in Catalonia” and the winery is designed to resemble a classic Catalan farmhouse. The family has grown grapes in Spain since the 17th century and even now the philosophy has always been to produce a wine as an extension of farming the vineyard.
- Delightful to drink right now but it will continue to develop and last for at least 15 to 20 years. Recommended serving temperature is 46°- 48° F.
- The European-style high density of over 2,000 vines per acre provides low yields and requires intensive labor; but the vines live longer and the grapes acquire better balance and greater concentration, as well as more elegance and finesse than with the traditional low density.
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Elaboration: Specially selected for fruit intensity and aromatics, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel to capture the purity of the flavors. The wine is then kept in the tank until bottling in early spring.
Tasting Notes: Lovely nose, intense and floral, reminiscent of Meyer lemon and orchard fruit like pear and apple. The palate is fresh and elegant, intense and mineral, with nicely framed oak and a touch of vanilla; the mouthfeel is creamy and long, with notes of biscuit, pie crust and meringue.
PRESS
2021 – 93 James Suckling | 92 Wine Spectator
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Marimar Torres came to live in California in 1975. After two years of searching, she acquired the Marimar Estate land and began planting the vineyard in 1986. Today, there are 30 acres planted in vine.
The Estate is nestled in the rolling hills of western Sonoma County, the Russian River/Green Valley appellation is a perfect microclimate for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Only 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 50 miles north of San Francisco, the site is influenced by the sea’s cooling breezes and drifting fog. That is why Marimar Torres selected this privileged location to “export” the Torres family legacy of fine wines to California.
The wines are made entirely from estate-grown grapes. Named in honor of the late patriarch of the family, the vineyard is unique in California because it is totally European in style.