Grape skins play a pivotal role in shaping a wine's
sensory richness, from its aroma to structure. Thus,
for inquisitive and open-minded winemakers,
exploring the textural potential of grape skins is
crucial. Over the past decade, we have learned that is
it easy to extract too much of a good thing, and that
heavily macerated white wines have a polarizing
profile due to their pronounced phenolic
characteristics, deviating from the traditional
elegance of white wine. Our latest Chardonnay
venture delves into moderate skin maceration,
seeking exceptional textures while maintaining classic
finesse. To achieve this, we've collaborated with our
head viticulturist, Steve Ells, selecting a young parcel
of Chardonnay Clone 548 from his Ellslea vineyard at
the base of North Mountain. Chardonnay 548, with its
roots in the esteemed Corton Charlemagne subregion
of Burgundy, is recognized for its low-yield, compact
bunches, and distinctive notes of sweet jasmine,
white peach, nougat, and hazelnut.