# Lingua Franca AVNI Chardonnay 2021 (2021)

- **Producer:** Lingua Franca
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Oregon, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €67
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 10–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, lemon, peach, butter, vanilla, honey, almond

## About this wine

The Lingua Franca AVNI Chardonnay 2021 is a white wine from the Willamette Valley, Oregon. The name 'Avni' signifies 'stone,' reflecting the volcanic and marine-based soils that contribute to its minerality. Lingua Franca's approach is rooted in an extraordinary vineyard site and a commitment to organic and regenerative farming, aiming for fruit of unparalleled purity and elegance. The wine is produced from Chardonnay grapes grown in diverse sub-regions of the Willamette Valley, including volcanic vineyards. The 2021 vintage was characterized by a balanced harvest following a cold winter and a significant heat event, with resilient vines producing fruit in equilibrium.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Avni' means 'stone' in Latin.
- Vineyards utilize organic and regenerative farming.
- Wild yeast is used for spontaneous fermentation.
- A portion of the wine is aged in large wooden casks.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty seafood, while its minerality complements the briny notes of oysters and the subtle sweetness of shellfish. The wine's structure also stands up well to poultry dishes.

## Wine making process

The Lingua Franca AVNI Chardonnay 2021 begins with whole-cluster pressing, followed by settling in tank. Fermentation is spontaneous, utilizing wild yeast in barrels. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation in each vessel. Aging occurs for 11 months in a combination of 21% new 600-liter French oak puncheons, 16% large wooden casks, and 63% old French oak barriques. It is then aged for an additional six months sur lie in tanks before bottling. Organic and regenerative farming practices are employed in the vineyards.