Ceritas 'Marena' Chardonnay, West Sonoma Coast, California 2024
Ceritas is a small, family-owned winery that prides itself on producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of each vineyard site. Focused on organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking, Ceritas emphasizes a sustainable approach to viticulture, allowing the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir to shine through in every bottle. The 'Marena' Chardonnay is a testament to the winery's commitment to crafting balanced, elegant wines that are both complex and approachable.
- WINEMAKER: John Raytek
- FARMING: Certified Organic
- VARIETY: 100% Chardonnay
- TERROIR: Sourced from the 'Marena' vineyard in the West Sonoma Coast AVA, a region known for its cool, fog-influenced climate, which allows for a long growing season and slow ripening of the grapes. The vineyard’s soils are a mix of clay and sandstone, contributing to the wine’s rich texture and minerality. The coastal exposure ensures balanced acidity, which is a hallmark of this Chardonnay.
- VINIFICATION: The grapes are hand-harvested, and the wine is fermented with native yeasts in French oak barrels, with a small percentage undergoing malolactic fermentation to enhance texture and mouthfeel. The wine is aged on its lees for 12 months to build complexity and depth.
- AGING: Aged 12 months in French oak barrels (approximately 20% new oak)
- TASTING NOTES: The 2023 'Marena' Chardonnay is an elegant and expressive wine with aromas of ripe citrus, white peach, and hints of brioche and toasted almond. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with flavors of lemon curd, green apple, and a touch of mineral-driven flintiness. The wine’s vibrant acidity is complemented by a creamy texture and a long, clean finish.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: This Chardonnay is a perfect match for roasted chicken with lemon, butter-poached lobster, or a creamy pasta dish with mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses, such as aged gouda or triple cream brie.
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SCORES:
- 94 points, Vinous
- 93 points, Wine Advocate
Ceritas 'Marena' Chardonnay, West Sonoma Coast, California 2024
Ceritas is a small, family-owned winery that prides itself on producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of each vineyard site. Focused on organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking, Ceritas emphasizes a sustainable approach to viticulture, allowing the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir to shine through in every bottle. The 'Marena' Chardonnay is a testament to the winery's commitment to crafting balanced, elegant wines that are both complex and approachable.
- WINEMAKER: John Raytek
- FARMING: Certified Organic
- VARIETY: 100% Chardonnay
- TERROIR: Sourced from the 'Marena' vineyard in the West Sonoma Coast AVA, a region known for its cool, fog-influenced climate, which allows for a long growing season and slow ripening of the grapes. The vineyard’s soils are a mix of clay and sandstone, contributing to the wine’s rich texture and minerality. The coastal exposure ensures balanced acidity, which is a hallmark of this Chardonnay.
- VINIFICATION: The grapes are hand-harvested, and the wine is fermented with native yeasts in French oak barrels, with a small percentage undergoing malolactic fermentation to enhance texture and mouthfeel. The wine is aged on its lees for 12 months to build complexity and depth.
- AGING: Aged 12 months in French oak barrels (approximately 20% new oak)
- TASTING NOTES: The 2023 'Marena' Chardonnay is an elegant and expressive wine with aromas of ripe citrus, white peach, and hints of brioche and toasted almond. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with flavors of lemon curd, green apple, and a touch of mineral-driven flintiness. The wine’s vibrant acidity is complemented by a creamy texture and a long, clean finish.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: This Chardonnay is a perfect match for roasted chicken with lemon, butter-poached lobster, or a creamy pasta dish with mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses, such as aged gouda or triple cream brie.
-
SCORES:
- 94 points, Vinous
- 93 points, Wine Advocate