La Escultura Estate vineyard is located in the Casablanca Valley, just 20 km from the Pacific Ocean, where it benefits from a coastal influence that moderates temperatures throughout the year. Cool maritime breezes allow for a slow and gentle ripening period that encourages grape aromas and flavours and ensures very good acidity levels, making Casablanca a privileged region for producing cool climate varietals such as Chardonnay. The vineyard was planted between 1992 and 1994 on granitic soils with low to medium vigour potential. The vines are vertically positioned, and the vineyard is drip irrigated. Climate: Cool summer days with morning fog and fresh afternoon breezes. Rainfall occurs mainly in winter. Soil: Granitic soils with low vigour potential. Temperature records show a cold 2006-2007 season. The final heat summation (1,401 degree days) was nearly identical to the previous cold season and 59 degree days lower than average for the past 6 years. Bud break occurred 10 days earlier than normal and fortunately was not affected by frost. Although the early months of the season (Oct–Nov) were warmer than in previous seasons, they were followed by a cold maturation period (Dec–Mar), which resulted in slow ripening and excellent conservation of aromas and natural acidity. We harvested the fruit for our Chardonnay Unoaked in early April. Upon arrival at the cellar, most of the grapes were whole cluster pressed, and the remainder destemmed and gently crushed. After settling for 24 hours, the juice underwent a slow, cool fermentation at 12°C-16ºC (54°-61°F). Both fermentation and ageing took place entirely in stainless steel tanks to encourage the tropical fruit expression that is typical of the La Escultura Estate. The result is a wine with an interesting varietal intensity without the influence of oak. Greenish-yellow in colour, our 2007 Unoaked Chardonnay presents a broad range of fruit aromas and flavours such as cherimoya and quince, along with a bit of banana and green apple. Rich and creamy on the palate, with pleasing acidity and lovely fruit flavours that linger on the refreshing finish. Casablanca Valley La Escultura Estate 100% Chardonnay 13.5% by vol. 3.23 6.51 g/l (tartaric acid) 2.52 g/l