# Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay (2022)

- **Producer:** Hartford Family Winery
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €42
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** pear, peach, apricot, nectarine, lemon, orange, white flowers, pineapple, brioche, butter, vanilla, cloves, toasted bread, apple, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, honey

## About this wine

Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay is produced by Hartford Family Winery, a family-run estate founded in 1994. The wine hails from the esteemed Russian River Valley AVA in Sonoma County, California, a region celebrated for its cool climate and diverse terroir. This Chardonnay is a blend sourced from various estate and neighboring vineyards across the appellation, reflecting the complexity and character of its origin. The winery's philosophy centers on expressing vineyard personality through minimal intervention winemaking techniques, including the use of native yeasts and careful vineyard management.

## Interesting facts

- Grapes are hand-harvested at night to preserve freshness.
- Winemaking uses indigenous yeasts for fermentation.
- The winery practices sustainable farming with low yields.
- Wines are often unfined and unfiltered to retain texture.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty fish, while its full body and ripe fruit notes complement roasted meats and richer seafood. The subtle oak influence can echo the char from grilling or roasting.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Hartford Court Russian River Valley Chardonnay begins with hand-harvested grapes, picked at night for maximum freshness. The fruit undergoes whole-cluster pressing before fermentation in 100% French oak barrels, utilizing indigenous yeasts for both primary and secondary malolactic fermentation. The wine is then aged for 8-10 months in French oak, with a portion of new barrels, and undergoes weekly lees stirring (batonage) to enhance texture and complexity. Most bottlings are unfined and unfiltered to preserve their natural mouthfeel and flavor profile.