Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously operated, family-owned winery in America. Today the estate is comprised of vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco and Arroyo Seco appellations and is operated by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family.
5th Generation winegrower Karl D. Wente has continued the family’s legacy with the Wente clone by using it to produce four different styles of Chardonnay: Morning Fog Chardonnay, Single Vineyard Riva Ranch Chardonnay, Small Lot Eric’s Chardonnay and Nth Degree Chardonnay.
California’s First Family of Chardonnay. Today 80% of all California Chardonnay stems from the Wente clone.
The Wente Estate is comprised of vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco and Arroyo Seco – each with its own special growing conditions. The Livermore Valley, just twenty miles east of San Francisco Bay, benefits from a unique marine climate that is influenced by the Bay and Pacific Ocean. Arroyo Seco, Monterey, is a cooler region with an extended growing season which enables the grapes to retain their natural acidity and intense varietal character. Soils replete with shale and limestone deposits provide excellent drainage and minerals, both of which impart significant flavour components and balance to the wines. Wente produce a number of different wines from their vineyards in these appellations.
Vineyards
The estate Grown Morning Fog Chardonnay is named for the morning coastal fog pushed by Pacific wind streams into the bowl of the San Francisco Bay. This daily phenomenon moderates the climate to produce excellent, beautifully balanced Chardonnay. The Wente winery was the first in California to produce a varietally labeled Chardonnay from their own Wente clone. Today, many of the great Chardonnay vineyards in California are planted with the Wente clone.
Vinification
50% barrel fermented in neutral American oak barrels. 50% fermented in stainless steel tanks.
Barrel fermented portion was aged sur lie for 5 months. Batonnage, the art of stirring the barrels, was performed monthly. Stainless steel portion was half aged on lees for 5 months while the other half was racked clean to preserve the fresh fruit characters.
Tasting Notes
The Morning Fog Chardonnay bursts with aromatics of citrus and green apple complemented by hints of toasty oak and vanilla from barrel-aging. This wine is balanced by a lingering minerality and natural acidity to create a beautiful wine.
A perfect accompaniment for fish tacos or shrimp cooked over coals.
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