# Old World Winery L'Aureate Skin Contact Chardonnay (2024)

- **Producer:** Old World Winery
- **Colour:** orange
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.9%
- **Average price:** €30
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** mango, pineapple, grapefruit, orange, ginger, bread, toast, marmalade

## About this wine

Old World Winery is led by fourth-generation Sonoma winemaker Darek Trowbridge, who honors traditional, chemical-free winemaking practices learned from his grandfather, Lino Martinelli. Based in the Russian River Valley, Trowbridge focuses on environmental stewardship, active soil regeneration, and minimal intervention. Sourced from organic plots like the Nagomi Vineyard with silty loam soils, L'Aureate transforms Russian River Valley Chardonnay into a vibrant orange wine that highlights raw terroir over wood-heavy oak influence.

## Interesting facts

- Winemaker Darek Trowbridge carries on traditional techniques passed down from his grandfather, Lino Martinelli.
- Grapes are 100% foot-stomped in whole clusters to extract rich phenolic skin texture.
- The estate uses composted mulch under vines to boost soil microbiology and natural drought resistance.

## Food pairing

Skin-contact orange wines bridge the gap between red and white wines by combining vibrant acidity with subtle phenolic tannins. This structural complexity allows L'Aureate to cut through rich fats, match aromatic spices, and handle complex savory dishes like curries, roasted pork, and washed-rind soft cheeses.

## Wine making process

The grapes are 100% foot-stomped whole clusters subjected to 48 hours to 5 days of skin maceration. Fermentation occurs 100% spontaneously using native vineyard yeasts. The wine ages sur lie in neutral oak barrels for 9 to 24 months without racking prior to bottling. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur additions.