Ancient Peaks Chardonnay

Ancient Peaks Chardonnay

Wine Description

The Ancient Peaks estate Margarita Vineyard is cradled along the coastal Santa Lucia Mountains just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here, amid one of the Paso Robles region’s coolest growing environments, conditions are optimal for producing a varietally true Chardonnay with a singular sense of place. This Chardonnay strikes a fine balance between the leaner and richer styles of Chardonnay, making it a versatile, food-friendly wine.

Ancient Peaks
Ancient Peaks Winery
Ancient Peaks Wines
Ancient Peaks Santa Margarita
Ancient Peaks Grapes
Ancient Peaks Field
Sustainability
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Acclaim
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Vineyard & Production Info
Vineyard name
Santa Margarita Ranch
Soil composition
granitic
Bottles produced of this wine:
57,012
Certified Eco-Friendly Practices:
Certified, stated on label
Sustainability Certification:
SIP Certified
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Winemaking & Aging
Varietal composition:
100% Chardonnay
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Analytical Data
pH level:
3.68
Acidity:
7.4 g/L
Alcohol:
14.2 %
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Wine Production

After harvesting and light pressing, 86% of the juice was cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks for the preservation of delicate aromatics and bright fruit flavors. The remainder was barrel fermented and aged on the lees in 30% new oak to add roundness, texture and complexity. This oak-aged lot also underwent secondary malolactic fermentation and consistent lees stirring, which ultimately lent a touch of creaminess to the wine.

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About the Vineyard

The Chardonnay grapes comes from blocks 22 and 37 at Margarita Vineyard. Block 37 occupies a northeast-facing flank of the vineyard, where the morning and afternoon temperatures are particularly cool. Here, brisk marine air settles after flowing through a mountain notch known as Trout Creek. These conditions provide the Chardonnay fruit with the long period necessary to nurture vivid varietal character. 
Block 22 unfolds along rocky alluvium soils and provides a fruit-forward core to the final blend.