aCRISP by Luna Vineyards Chardonnay 2017
Winemaker Notes
When Luna's founders first laid eyes on the Luna property in 1995, they instantly recognized the magic and the amazing potential of its estate vineyard, perfectly located along the Silverado Trail. They bought the property and followed their dream, building a winery that paid tribute to the varietals that set Napa Valley apart.
The original founders brought tradition engrained by Italian ancestors, to embrace local processes that would sustain a deep and abiding respect for the Napa region. They were the first family-owned winery to plant the visionary Italian varietal of Pinot Grigio on the estate vineyard, on the eastern hillside of the Silverado Trail.
From the farming methods that sustain the rich and bio-diverse ecosystem of the Estate Vineyard to the dense rocky subsoil of the Game Farm Vineyard, Luna Vineyards believes that the most important part of winemaking happens in the vineyard.
The winemaking team maintains a deep and abiding respect for the land, tilling the soil as little as possible, and restricting the use of chemicals and fertilizers. Hand picking and multiple sorting techniques are complemented by the proven practices of native yeast fermentation and extended maceration, which combine to yield exceptional results.
Beyond the core varietals for which Luna is known, they continue to expand the portfolio of award-winning wines, made truly great by their exceptional vineyard sites, their natural fermentation methods, and a minimum of intervention in the cellar. Luna Vineyards is proud to continue their founding values, giving science and creativity equal respect.
California’s most praised white wine, Chardonnay is also the state’s most planted white grape variety. Diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of wine styles.
Chardonnay planted in the cooler, coastal zones takes on bright characteristics like lemon zest, key lime, green apple and wet flint. For this style, look to the chilly Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands and Edna Valley.
The inland zones of California’s coast, such as the Russian River, Sonoma, Napa and Livermore Valleys maintain a more Goldilocks-esque climate where both styles go. Early picking retains acidity and creates a leaner style but leaving the grapes to hang creates an approachable Chardonnay, balancing richness and finesse.
Chardonnay also plays a major part in the sparkling wine production of the Anderson Valley and Carneros.