# Diatom Santa Barbara County Chardonnay (2024)

- **Producer:** Diatom
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €23
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, orange, peach, apricot, pineapple, quince

## About this wine

Diatom is a specialized Chardonnay project founded by acclaimed winemaker Greg Brewer in Santa Barbara County, California. The estate takes its name from diatomaceous earth, a plankton-rich fossilized earth deposit unique to the soils of the coastal Los Alamos region. Driven by a minimalist philosophy centered on subtraction and refinement, Diatom aims to capture the purest expression of cool-climate coastal Chardonnay without heavy winery intervention or wood maturation.

## Interesting facts

- Named after diatomaceous earth, fossilized plankton deposits formed in coastal California over 20,000 years ago.
- Crafted with zero oak contact and zero malolactic fermentation to retain maximum mineral drive.
- Winemaker Greg Brewer was named Wine Enthusiast Winemaker of the Year in 2020.
- The 2024 vintage achieved a spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2025.

## Food pairing

The high natural acidity, vibrant citrus tension, and saline edge of this un-oaked Chardonnay demand fresh seafood and light, tangy preparations. The bright acidity slices through delicate fats like butter or goat cheese while complementing zesty citrus elements without being overpowered.

## Wine making process

Crafted from mature Dijon clone 76 Chardonnay vines, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented at extremely low temperatures in 100% stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation is completely blocked to preserve natural malic acidity and linear structure. The wine matures for six months in stainless steel vats before bottling under screwcap closure, keeping the transit pathways short to preserve vivid fruit definitions.