Variety: Chardonnay

According to Matt Murphy, co-founder, and president of Presqui’le winery, the greatest wineries are multigenerational family endeavors. In fact, the family is very close and loves doing things together, including his sister Anna, the enologist. Anna and Matt both grew up around the family’s farm in Louisiana, which was the forerunner for their interest in winemaking. Dieter Cronje, winemaker for Presqu’ile, has quite the prestigious resumé. While on a mission to gain a more global perspective, he did an exchange program with the University of Bordeaux and traveled extensively through Burgundy and Champagne to gain more understanding of Pinot Noir. After working with Matt Murphy at the Ambullneo winery and sharing many late-night bottles of Burgundy, they realized they worked well together. Matt then decided that Dieter would be a great fit as winemaker for Presqu’ile.

This Chardonnay takes its fruit from two incredible sites, their own namesake Presqu’ile Vineyard and Bien Nacido Vineyard, both located in the cool climate of Santa Maria Valley. Techniques for the wine are natural and traditional. Ageing is done for eleven months in French oak (a touch of it is new), and a further six months in stainless steel.