The Quilt Chardonnay winemaking process begins when we call a pick. We test sugar levels, acidity and pH, but more importantly, we want phenolic/physiological maturity. With hard, brown seeds, copper canes, and yellowing of the canopy and a slight tan to the golden clusters. Once in the cellar, we whole cluster light press. We barrel-ferment the wine in French oak (70% new) for 15 months. Fermentation can last 45 or more days with lees stirring during the extended fermentation. Then 100% malolactic fermentation while still on lees for creaminess and complexity.
