Winemaker Notes
Brass Tacks Chardonnay opens with citrus fruit, followed by fig and hints of honeysuckle. On the palate, fresh tropical flavors of papaya and mango. Minimal malolactic fermentation helped develop the luscious, round mouth feel while maintaining balanced acidity.
Brass Tacks Chardonnay combines the finest attributes from California's premier wine growing regions. The grapes are sourced from vineyards that add their own unique layer to the final wine profile. Traditional, minimalistic winemaking techniques result in a wine that allows classic varietal characteristics and true California terroir to shine through in every glass.
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.