# Santa Barbara County Chardonnay (2022)

- **Producer:** Tyler Winery
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.9%
- **Average price:** €28
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 9–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** meyer lemon, pear, green apple, apricot, white flowers, butter, vanilla, cream

## About this wine

The Tyler Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2022 is a white wine crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes. Tyler Winery, established in 2005 by Justin Tyler Willett, focuses on expressing the individuality of each vineyard site through minimal intervention. The grapes are sourced from renowned Santa Barbara County vineyards, benefiting from the region's cool coastal climate and unique terroir. This wine is distinguished by its commitment to purity, balance, and the expression of its vineyard origins.

## Interesting facts

- Grapes sourced from legendary vineyards like Bien Nacido and Sanford & Benedict.
- Minimal new oak (≤10%) used to let the fruit express itself.
- Often bottled unfined and unfiltered for maximum expression.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces and fattier proteins, while its mineral notes complement the subtle sweetness of shellfish. Herbal and citrus elements in the wine can echo or contrast with ingredients in the dish, creating harmonious pairings.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Tyler Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2022 begins with whole-cluster pressing of the Chardonnay grapes. Fermentation is carried out using native yeasts in oak barrels, followed by aging for approximately 11 months on lees. Full malolactic fermentation is typically employed. The winery utilizes minimal new oak, with less than 10% new oak used in some instances. The wine is often bottled unfined and unfiltered.