Qupe Y Block Chardonnay Santa Barbara County

REGION: Santa Barbara, California, USA

VARIETIES: Chardonnay

VITICULTURE: Biodynamic, practicing organic

YEAR: 2019/20

ALCOHOL: 13.5%

INFO: Qupe’s Y Block Chardonnay is sourced primarily from Bien Nacido Vineyard in the cool Santa Maria Valley of northern Santa Barbara County.

As with all their Chardonnays, this wine was made using traditional techniques: hand-harvested, whole cluster pressed, chilled for 48 hours in tank, then racked off heavy lees for fermentation. Qupe’s Y Block Chardonnay was 100% barrel fermented and aged in French oak— primarily François Fréres Burgundy barrels, 15% new. Aged on the lees for eight months then racked clean to stainless steel for blending and rest before bottling.

This is a classic cool climate Chardonnay made in a traditional style. Aromas of citrus, pears and nutmeg waft from the glass, with just a hint of vanilla and toasty oak from aging in barrel. Mouth-coating viscosity on the palate balanced by naturally fresh, crisp acidity. Completely dry, this is an elegantly balanced and structured Chardonnay.

RIch from barrel fermentation and time on the lees, yet elegant, cool climate Chardonnay

VEGAN