# Mayacamas Mt Veeder Chardonnay (2024)

- **Producer:** Mayacamas Vineyards
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €70
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blossom, apple, pear, lemon, mint, white pepper

## About this wine

Founded in 1889 by J.H. Fisher on Mount Veeder, Mayacamas Vineyards is one of Napa Valley's most historic estates. In 1941, Jack and Mary Taylor planted Chardonnay using cuttings from Wente, establishing the grape as a cornerstone of the property. Today, the estate is stewarded by the Schottenstein family alongside winemaker Braiden Albrecht and consulting winemaker Andy Erickson. Sourced from high-elevation vineyards between 1,800 and 2,100 feet with complex volcanic soils, Mayacamas Chardonnay stands out for its classic, long-lived style.

## Interesting facts

- Mayacamas Chardonnay undergoes zero percent malolactic fermentation to preserve bright mountain acidity.
- The estate vineyards sit at extreme elevations between 1,800 and 2,100 feet on Mount Veeder.
- Aging takes place in neutral wooden foudres, some of which date back several decades.

## Food pairing

This energetic, high-acidity white wine pairs beautifully with rich shellfish, roasted poultry, and earthy dishes. Its complete lack of malolactic fermentation allows crisp fruit and volcanic minerality to slice through rich proteins and aged cheeses effortlessly.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested early by hand to retain high natural acidity. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts, with 95% whole-cluster pressing. Crucially, malolactic fermentation is 100% inhibited, avoiding buttery flavors and preserving electric acidity. The wine undergoes no battonage and ages for 12 to 18 months in neutral oak vessels, including French oak barriques, puncheons, and large wooden foudres dating back several decades. It is conditioned in bottle for a full year at the estate before release.