# Estate Chardonnay (2022)

- **Producer:** Walter Hansel Winery
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apricot, peach, lemon, stone, spice, butter, vanilla, cream, honey, nut

## About this wine

The Walter Hansel Estate Chardonnay 2022 originates from the Russian River Valley AVA in Sonoma County, California. Produced by Walter Hansel Winery, this 100% Chardonnay is crafted from a blend of fruit sourced from the Hansel Estate Vineyard, which features original plantings from 1976 and 1989. The winery emphasizes low yields to enhance complexity. The wine is a continuation of the family's dedication to producing Burgundy-styled wines.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards include original plantings from 1976 and 1989.
- Yields are kept extremely low, typically 1.5 to 2.7 tons per acre.
- The Estate Chardonnay is a blend of all vineyard blocks.
- 518 cases were produced for the 2022 Estate Vineyard Chardonnay.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and creamy texture complement rich dishes, while its bright acidity cuts through fattiness, cleansing the palate. Flavors of stone fruit and baking spice in the wine harmonize with similar notes in dishes like apple chutney or roasted herbs.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Walter Hansel Estate Chardonnay begins with whole-cluster pressing. The juice is then fermented in predominantly one-year-old French oak barrels. Secondary fermentation is extended, continuing into late spring. Regular lees stirring is employed to build texture and mouthfeel. The wine undergoes aging in oak, with a focus on restrained oak influence.