Chardonnay 2022

The Cycles Gladiator Chardonnay is crafted in California, in the heart of the Central Coast, a vast wine region influenced by the cool Pacific Ocean. The vines benefit from sea breezes and significant temperature variations between day and night, promoting slow and balanced ripening of the grapes. The diverse soils, a blend of sand, silt, and alluvial deposits, allow for a generous aromatic profile while maintaining good tension. This origin lends the wine an approachable, bright, and quintessentially Californian style.

The Chardonnay grapes at Cycles Gladiator are harvested at optimal ripeness and then gently pressed before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic freshness. A portion of the wine may be fermented or aged in oak barrels to add body and subtle oak notes, while the remainder stays in tanks to maintain the purity of the fruit. Aging on fine lees, with occasional stirring, contributes to the roundness and complexity of the wine.

This wine reveals notes of stone fruit , ripe apple , and juicy pear , complemented by delicate floral touches and hints of fresh citrus . Vanilla and lightly toasted accents from aging add a more indulgent dimension, while a subtly mineral structure balances the whole. On the palate, the wine is full and supple, carried by a lively acidity that lengthens the finish, leaving a harmonious and flavorful impression.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.