Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards, named for the wild mustangs that
used to roam the hills above the vineyard, has been an icon since 1983 as
California’s Central Coast luxury winery. California’s Central Coast is the
largest American Viticultural (science, production, and study of grapes) Area
with home to 360 wineries. Since Day 1, practicing sustainability has been a
part of the process – weeding is done by their Barbados sheep and Floyd the
llama, recycling winery wastewater for irrigation; planting covering crops to
attract beneficial insects, control erosion, and increase nitrogen in the soil;
mixing grape pomace (solid remains of grapes after pressing) with manure to
produce high-quality compost; and providing homes for owls who patrol the
vineyards for rodents and other pests.
2012 Chardonnay process began with grapes picked in
the early morning to ensure coolness and delivered directly to the press to
gently squeeze the fresh juice. After settling in a tank overnight, the juice
was moved to another tank for yeasting – 70% went into new and neutral French
oak barrels to attain a full and creamy mouthfeel associated with sur lies (leaving
the wine in contact with its lees or yeast particles) stirring and 30% in
stainless steel to accentuate the bright citrus and apples notes. The
Chardonnay was aged for nine months before blending (97% Chardonnay, 2%
Verdelho, and 1% Malvasia Bianca) and bottling. Aromatics experienced were
clean, lemon, and pineapple. Flavors experienced were green apple, citrus, and
smooth with a touch of sourness. Possible food pairings would be aged cheese,
citrus-marinated chicken, and grilled salmon. Thumbs up!
To read more, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/review/wild-horse-winery-vineyard-unleashes-unbridled-spirit-templeton-ca
Mahalo,
OC Food Diva
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