Winemaker Notes
Pioneers in winemaking on the Central Coast, Chamisal Vineyards was the first to plant vineyards in the Edna Valley in 1973. Chamisal is nestled five miles inland from the Pacific Ocean on the rugged California Coast. With the cooling Pacific Ocean nearby, the long temperate growing season extends the amount of time grapes stay on the vine to develop their flavors. This extended hang time paired with the calcareous, clay-rich soil of the property produces fruit with exceptional intensity and complex flavors, often showing a distinctive character that some fondly call "Chamisal Spice."
Chamisal Vineyards has a site-driven approach to winemaking, crafting each wine as an expression of the unique terroir of the vineyards from which it is sourced. When applied to Chardonnay, this approach produces a range of versatile and distinctive wines that range from full-bodied and supple with generous oak influence to lean, elegant and mineral-driven.
In 2010, Chamisal Vineyards became the second winery ever to become SIP (Sustainability in Practice) certified. This program, separate from vineyard certification, requires that winemaking operations also be sustainable and respectful of the environment. They tightly monitor and control the winery’s energy and water use by using solar panels to produce 25 percent of the electrical power needed and implemented a water-recapture system that reclaims 100 percent of Chamisal winery process water for irrigation needs. Chamisal Vineyards has always thrived to protect the environment and their communities. It has become clear to us that the emission of Green House Gases (GHG) not only is the biggest environmental threat, but also that the majority of environmental advances are tied to their ability to emit less GHG. They have embarked on a fundamental transformation of how they grow grapes and make wines and have joined international organizations such as the Porto Protocol and the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). They have committed to reduce their GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
California’s coolest wine growing area, Edna Valley excels in the production of high quality Central Coast wines like Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Rhône Blends and aromatic white wines. It has a cool Mediterranean climate and an incredibly long growing season, giving late-ripening varieties plenty of opportunity to develop great phenolic complexity.
Its northwest to southeast orientation creates a direct path for cool Pacific air and fog to penetrate the valley from the Los Osos and Morro Bay area inwards. Low hillsides of both calcareous and volcanic soils are home to much of the vineyard acreage of the Edna Valley.