# Sandhi Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay (2023)

- **Producer:** Sandhi Wines
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.9%
- **Average price:** €38
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, apple, blossom, peach, butter, toast, brioche, hazelnut

## About this wine

Sandhi was founded in 2010 by world-renowned sommelier Rajat Parr and winemaker Sashi Moorman in Santa Barbara County's Sta. Rita Hills. The name 'Sandhi' comes from an ancient Sanskrit word meaning 'collaboration' or 'alliance,' representing the connection between human stewardship, earth, and vine. The winery focuses on cool-climate site selection, incorporating estate fruit from Domaine de la Côte alongside prime vineyard sites across the region to produce site-expressive, high-tensile Chardonnays.

## Interesting facts

- Founded by legendary sommelier Rajat Parr and winemaker Sashi Moorman in 2010.
- The Sanskrit word 'Sandhi' translates to 'collaboration' or 'alliance'.
- Aged in neutral 500L oak puncheons without any bâtonnage (lees stirring) to retain precision.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright natural acidity and marine-driven minerality effortlessly cut through buttery sauces and creamy cheeses, while complementing delicate seafood and tender white meats without overwhelming them.

## Wine making process

The 2023 vintage was fermented using 100% indigenous yeasts in large 500-liter neutral French oak puncheons. It underwent complete malolactic fermentation without bâtonnage (lees stirring) to preserve linear tension and freshness. The wine aged for approximately 10 months in neutral oak puncheons followed by 5 to 6 months in stainless steel tanks prior to bottling without animal-derived fining agents.