Unoaked Chardonnay ‘Metallico’ Monterey

Winemaker

Sam Smith

Appellation

Monterey

Varieties

Chardonnay

Viticulture

The grapes are sourced from vineyards around Monterey County, from vines that are 20 years old on average. The vines sit on an elevation range of 150-800m above sea level and are VSP trained with a Southeast facing exposition. The grapes are hand harvested each season, with 3 tons/acre harvested on average.

Terroir

The soil is comprised of sandy & shaly loam.

Ratings & Reviews

Vineyard

The 65 acre property of Morgan Winery is on a southeastern facing "bench" of the Santa Lucia mountain range, sloping from 150" to 550' elevation and the vines are 18 years old on average. Prior to purchase in 1996, the ranch was used for cattle grazing and row crop production (sugar beets, dry beans). At the time of purchase, the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA had very recently been established and was relatively unknown. The soils on the ranch were weak, depleted of nutrients; Dan's interest in responsible farming led to the Double L's organic certification in 2001. The vineyard now holds both sustainability and organic certifications

Vinification

The grapes start with a direct press, and are transeferred to a tank for fermentation on the lees which takes place over 20 days. A mix of 50% selected yeast and 50% ambient yeast is used for the fermentation process. Malolactic fermetnation is prevented to maintain the wines sharp freshness. Total Sulfite count is 30mg/L. There is minimal filtration and no fining prior to aging.

Aging

The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks ranging in size from 1000 to 5000 gallons for 5 months, then finishes with an additional 4-10 months aging in bottle prior to relase.

Features

Screw cap

Available Sizes (L)

0.750