St. Francis Chardonnay

Grapes that produce Sonoma County Chardonnay come from Sonoma Valley estate vineyards and Russian River Valley, as well as from growers in Sonoma County’s other top appellations, including Carneros and Alexander Valley. Each carefully selected vineyard contributes distinctive and individual qualities to the finished wine. To preserve Chardonnay’s delicate flavors, aromas and acidity, the grapes are picked at night and in the very early morning hours so the fruit arrives cold at the winery. Grapes are then immediately pressed whole cluster and fermented in different lots. The wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation and is aged for six months in French oak barrels. During aging, bâtonage (stirring the lees by hand) is performed to achieve complexity and a rich mouthfeel.