Maggio Chardonnay, Oak Ridge Winery, Lodi

Producer Note

For five generations the Maggio family has been growing wine grapes in Lodi, and providing elite California winemakers with superb fruit to make their wines. In 2002, the family turned their own hand to winemaking, using the same estate grown fruit that they had sold for so many years. Now they proudly put their name on bottles that reflect their long and uncompromising commitments to sustainable agriculture and winemaking excellence.

The estate covers 500 acres of vineyards throughout the Lodi American Viticultural Area, which are situated between the Sierra Nevada foothills and the San Francisco Bay. The Chardonnay grapes are grown in the Delta region, west of Lodi, which has a slightly cooler climate than central Lodi, both day and night. This gentle Mediterranean climate of warm days and coastal evening breezes is ideal for the cultivation of world-class grapes. The mature vines are gnarled and sculpted by time, yielding small amounts of intensely flavoured fruit to create wines that are the ultimate expression of their terroir.

Winemaking

The Chardonnay grapes were harvested at 23 to 24° Brix, when they had reached optimal ripeness, and balancing acidity levels. The grapes were cool fermented to retain the fresh and bright fruit characteristics. When fermentation was complete, the wine was racked off its lees. This wine was made with subtle oak influence to allow the purity of fruit to shine through.

Tasting Note

This Chardonnay delivers fruity aromas of peach, mango, pineapple and melon. Beautifully balanced, with refreshing citrus flavours complemented by hints of sweet honey through to a long finish.

Serving Suggestion

Ideal with green salads with toasted pine nuts; roast chicken and cod or shellfish with a delicate sauce.

Grape

Chardonnay 98%, Colombard 1%, Riesling 1%