Ridge Vineyards - Estate Chardonnay 2022
Ridge Vineyards is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation of California , United States . The history of Ridge Vineyards begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a physician who became a prominent member of San Francisco's Italian community , purchased 70 hectares near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He terraced the slopes and planted vineyards and, using native limestone, built the Monte Bello winery, producing the first vintage under that name in 1892. In the 1940s, William Short, a theologian, purchased the abandoned winery and vineyard just below Perrone's property. The new owners Dave Bennion, Hew Crane, Charlie Rosen and Howard Ziedler , all engineers from the Institute of Stanford research, developed a quarter barrel of "Estate" Cabernet. This Monte Bello Cabernet was among the best California wines of the time. The first Zinfandel was made in 1964, from a small 19th century vineyard further up the ridge. This was followed in 1966 by the first Geyserville Zinfandel. The founding families reclaimed the Monte Bello terraces, increasing the vineyard size. By 1968, production had increased to just under 3,000 cases per year, and in 1969, Paul Draper joined the partnership. Under his direction, the former Perrone winery (acquired the previous year) was restored, the most beautiful wine-growing lands rented or purchased, the constant quality and international reputation of the wines established. Lytton Springs in Sonoma County became part of Ridge Estates in 1991. Known primarily for its red wines, Ridge has also produced limited quantities of Chardonnay since 1962. Sustainability is both a philosophy and a set of practices environmentally friendly methods designed to preserve their land. Most of their vineyards are certified organic. In winemaking, Ridge Vineyards uses natural yeast, no commercial enzymes or nutrients, and decisions are based on taste. .
Estate Chardonnay 2022 is made from grapes grown in the Monte Bello vineyard. The grapes are whole cluster pressed and fermented in barrels. The wine goes through malolactic fermentation and is aged entirely in barrels for 14 months . A wide range of barrels are used : 85% American oak from 1 to 4 wines and 15% new oak (80% American oak, 20% French oak).
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
