Alta Maria Vineyards Chardonnay 2021

Viticulture

The Alta Maria 2021 Chardonnay is a blend of 2 iconic vineyards, Gold Coast Vineyard and Nielson Vineyard. The vineyards are farmed sustainably, and are a mix of older and newer plantings and clones.

Vinification

Hand harvested at night to preserve the 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 on texture, with a pleasant lingering finish.

Producer Description

Creating Wines with a True Reflection of Terrior

Alta Maria is a small, artisan winery focusing on producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the cold and oceanic Santa Maria Valley appellation in Santa Barbara County. Founded by 9th Generation Californian James Ontiveros, and Winemaker and long-time college friend Paul Wilkins, Alta Maria’s wines are inspired by the old world regions of France and are classic examples of purity, balance and complexity. They strive to make the best wines possible in a very conscientious manner and employ organic and sustainable practices leaving no indelible mark on the people and places around us.

The name “Alta Maria” refers to the upper Santa Maria River, which James’ ancestor, Don Juan Pacifico Ontiveros crossed on Saint Mary’s Day, 1855, as he drove cattle from Southern California to his new home at Rancho Tepusquet – now home to some of the world’s most renowned vines. The picturesque river flowing through the valley was the force responsible for sustaining ranch life in those early days.

The artwork for Alta Maria Vineyards features hand-hewn iron nails used by homesteaders in Santa Maria before the Industrial Revolution introduced mass-produced, machine-cut nails. Despite its lowly function, each nail is unique from the next according to the conditions in which it was made and the expertise of the craftsman.