# Central Coast Chardonnay (2022)

- **Producer:** Calera Wine Company
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** pineapple, peach, honeysuckle, lemon, butter, hazelnut, petrol (gasoline), slate

## About this wine

The Calera Central Coast Chardonnay 2022 is a 100% Chardonnay from California's Central Coast, produced by Calera Wine Company. Founded by Josh Jensen in 1975, the winery was inspired by Burgundy's winemaking traditions. Jensen aimed to create similar styles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California, establishing the Central Coast as a significant wine region. The 2022 vintage benefited from a growing season with moderate temperatures and a late-season heat event that contributed to the wine's richness and acidity. The wine is sourced from various vineyards within the Central Coast appellation, including sites in Edna Valley, San Benito, and Monterey County.

## Interesting facts

- Inspired by Burgundy, Calera sought to bring its elegance to California.
- The winery's name, 'Calera,' means 'limestone quarry' in Spanish, reflecting the soil's importance.
- Robert Parker once described Calera as 'California's Romanée Conti'.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and balanced acidity complement richer dishes by cutting through fat and cleansing the palate. Its subtle oak influence and fruit notes can harmonize with roasted poultry, pork, and seafood.

## Wine making process

The Calera Central Coast Chardonnay 2022 is produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes. The wine underwent 100% malolactic fermentation, contributing to its texture. It was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, with 10% new and 90% neutral oak. The grapes are sourced from various vineyards within the Central Coast appellation, including sites in Edna Valley, San Benito, and Monterey County. The 2022 growing season was characterized by moderate temperatures and an early harvest due to a late summer heat event.