Seghesio Family Vineyards Sonoma Chardonnay 2022

Located in the heart of Sonoma County, California, Seghesio Family Vineyards benefits from the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean and coastal breezes. The Chardonnay parcels are primarily situated in cooler areas, including the Russian River Valley and surrounding hills, where morning mists prolong the ripening of the grapes. This mosaic of terroirs, blending alluvial, clay-loam, and well-drained gravel soils, results in a balanced, ripe, and vibrant expression of Sonoma's iconic grape variety.

The Chardonnay grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and then gently pressed before careful settling. Fermentation takes place primarily in oak barrels, including a proportion of new oak, to develop aromatic richness and texture. Partial malolactic fermentation is carried out to preserve freshness while adding roundness. The wine then ages on its fine lees in barrels for several months, with regular stirring, before blending and bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of ripe apple , juicy pear , and citrus , complemented by delicate floral touches and spicy nuances reminiscent of vanilla and nutmeg. Subtle woody accents, evoking toasted oak and brioche, mingle with a slightly mineral structure that adds tension. On the palate, the texture is ample and creamy, supported by a fresh acidity that balances the richness, with a persistent and harmonious finish.

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.