Winemaker Notes
For over twenty years, Carmenet has been making premier wines from vineyards throughout Sonoma County and the North Coast of California. From the ancient, twisted Zinfandel vines in Evangelho Vineyard to the fog-shrouded Chardonnay vineyards in Carneros, Carmenet has built a legacy of distinctive wines that exhibit a definitive California character.
Building upon this tradition, Carmenet introduces a new line of California-appellated wines that are hand-crafted in the style and spirit of the original Carmenet wines. Named "Cellar Selection," the new line focuses on classic varietals and includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Classic used classic winemaking techniques such as malolactic fermentation and barrel aging were used to create balanced wines that are accessible and true to their varietal character.
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.