Saracina Unoaked Chardonnay is 100% estate grown and hails from 40-year-old vines (Clone 4) planted on poor alluvial soils kindly deposited eons ago by the Russian River. Each of these vineyard blocks were among the very first in the state to be certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance—and they positively thrived in 2022. The growing season began evenly, with no major hiccups. Low precipitation during the previous winter and spring led to below-average cluster weights and yields, thus superior concentration and flavors. Harvest began on Aug. 26, 2022 with Block A1; the more moderate Block A2 was brought in just two days later.
The fruit was gently whole-cluster pressed, settled, and fermented to dryness entirely in stainless steel. To give the wine its signature bright, zesty freshness, malolactic fermentation was inhibited. The wine then remained on its primary lees for less than three months prior to blending, helping to retain the purest expression of the fruit.
Light and incredibly elegant, Saracina unoaked Chardonnay boasts notes of just-ripened orchard fruits—think Asian pear, nectarine—plus a kiss of juicy citrus and hints of sweet pea. Exceptionally versatile, it’ll shine alongside simple steamed fish with lemon and fresh summer herbs or spatchcocked chicken with a lush romesco sauce.
