2019 Laetitia Chardonnay

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About 2019 Laetitia Chardonnay:

The 2019 wines are showing beautifully in this Laetitia Estate Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes:

Deep straw in color. Notes of lemon curd and green apple coupled with freshly baked pie crust waft from the glass. Lively acidity dances across the palate finishing with crème brulee and vanilla.

Growing Notes:

The Laetitia Estate Vineyards were first planted to grapes in 1982 when French viticulturists found ideal growing conditions in the Arroyo Grande Valley for producing wines of similar character to those of their homeland of pernay in the Champagne wine region. Only four miles from the ocean, their hillsides receive a thin band of fog in the morning, intense sunshine during the day and coolness in the evening. This microclimate, coupled with extended growing season, high acidity and low pH, produces grapes with intense flavor and complexity. The well-drained soils yield small crops of great depth and varietal character.

Above average rainfall in the Spring replenished soil water reserves and refilled aquafers. Cooler daytime temperatures in the Summer shifted the ripening season—extended hang time allowed for optimal flavor development. The resulting 2019 crop was even and mid-sized, expressing excellent fruit character.

Winemaking Notes:

The grapes were whole cluster pressed and went through 80% secondary malolactic fermentation until naturally arrested at blending. Each barrel was tasted individually when blending to create an exquisitely balanced 2019 Estate Chardonnay that is true to its varietal roots with a hint of the signature “Laetitia Spice”.

About The Winery:

Since 1982, the Laetitia Vineyard & Winery has produced elegant wines. That champion the exceptional character and diversity of the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA. Originally founded by an established French Champagne house. The Laetitia estate carries on in the longstanding traditions of Burgundy and Champagne with a focus on small-lot Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. Valuing legacy, balance, innovation, and sustainable practices from harvest to glass, the Laetitia team works meticulously from vintage to vintage to ensure that every bottle of Laetitia wine is as expressive as the coastal land from which it originates.

Laetitia Winemaker and General Manager Eric Hickey began his relationship with the Laetitia Winery Estate in 1988 when he was just 16 years old, working in the cellar with his dad, Dave Hickey, who was a production assistant for Maison Deutz at the time. Seizing the golden opportunity to apprentice with French winemakers, Eric joined the Maison Deutz team full-time after graduating from high school. From vintage to vintage, he gained a deep appreciation for the property’s fruit, while also taking time to explore the Rhône, Burgundy and Bordeaux in France and participating in an extension program through U.C. Davis.

In 2000, Eric was named Head Winemaker, and has since taken on the role as Senior Winemaker and General Manager, overseeing the still and sparkling wine programs. With a winemaking style that balances Old World tradition with cutting-edge California, Eric consistently produces generous, articulate wines that are true to the character of the Laetitia Estate.