Product Description
Metallico is Chardonnay in the purest form, without an overlay of oak or malo lactic fermentation to mask any of its fruit expression. Aromatics, intense fruit character and bright acidity are the goals here. This vintage of Metallico is composed of fruit from the Santa Lucia Highland and Arroyo Seco AVAs. The climate in the Arroyo Seco appellation is slightly warmer than our Highlands estate, and the blend exhibits lush fruit.The 2011 growing season was even longer than most in Monterey County. Harvest was a bit behind schedule due to the cool spring and summer weather that the Central Coast experienced. Those same conditions, though, allowed for slow, gentle ripening; resulting in fully developed varietal character in every grape. The grapes for this bottling were harvested on September 30th and November 3rd.Upon arriving at the winery, the grapes were whole-cluster pressed. After pressing, the juice was cold tank fermented, retaining the essential bright fruit and floral characteristics. The wine was not allowed to go through a secondary, malo-lactic fermentation and saw no oak aging, thus preserving the natural acidity and fruit flavors.Metallicos aromatics are intense with pear, lemon-lime and nectarine. The palate has ripe fruit flavors of honeysuckle, peach and citrus. Crisp, food-friendly acidity keeps this special wine refreshing and bright.