2019 Acte12 Chardonnay
Winemaker Notes:
This wine is packed
with different layers and nuances such as plum, red apples, strawberry, cherry,
and rhubarb. Then there is a layer of
creamy vanilla with a touch of lemon curd.
After that comes a slightly herbal essence with a hint of spice and
nuttiness. All these nuances are
beautifully balanced on the palate with a bright and yet creamy finish that lingers
for a while. The oak and stainless steel
are in complete harmony with the wine and create a beautifully balanced
chardonnay.
Vintage:
Starting with a mild winter we rolled into an early spring. In late March we started seeing temps in the
70’s with just a few cooler days to follow.
The spring conditions led to excellent fruit set and ultimately a bountiful
crop. The summer, for Virginia, was very
mild with only a few days of hot humid conditions. The Autumn was particularly dry with warm
days and cool nights. From mid-September to early October we experienced very
little rain which is invaluable for maturing grapes. I believe the 2019 vintage to be the best I
have experienced in Virginia for my tenure here.
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Vineyard Source:
Crown Orchard and Vineyards, Covesville, VA – 56%
Mt. Terrace Vineyards, Amherst, VA – 44%
Harvest
The Crown Orchard Chardonnay was harvested on 10 September
2019 at 20.9 brix, 3.48 pH and 5.71g/L TA.
Mt. Terrace Chardonnay was harvested on 14 September 2019 at 22.9 brix,
3.92 pH and 4.55g/L TA.
Fermentation
The Crown Orchard Chardonnay fermented for 16 days in
stainless steel with Rhone 4600 Yeast.
The Mountain Terrace Chardonnay fermented for 16 days in stainless steel with
Rhone 4600 yeast.
Aging
10 Months in 48% French oak Barrels, 44% Stainless Steel, 6%
Hungarian Oak, 2% Acacia Wood.
Bottling Date
14 July 2020 – 873 cases
Release Date
Technical
Information
12.5% Alc.
3.62 pH
6.19g/L TA
0.01% RS (dry)
