CHARDONNAY
Sta. Rita hills (2022)
The Sta. Rita Hills AVA
The Sta. Rita Hills (pronounced “Santa Rita Hills”) is an incredible AVA right off the Pacific Ocean near Santa Barbara, California.
Very young by wine standards, the Sta Rita Hills were first planted ~50 years ago, and only became an official AVA (American Viticultural Area) in 2001. However, it is very quickly gaining international recognition as one of the most exciting wine AVAs in the United States, which is why we chose it for VOON.
The region is so unique because it is framed by two transverse (east to west) mountain ranges that end at the Pacific Ocean. Cold air blows directly off the ocean and is funneled inland between the two ranges, dramatically cooling what would otherwise be a very warm mediterranean climate. The Sta Rita Hills AVA is the closest that grapes will grow to the ocean.
The soil is also perfect for wine, and very unique. Called diotomaceous earth, the soil in the Sta Rita Hills AVA is a marine soil with very little nutrients for wines, and elevated calcium levels (not unlike the limestone soils of other famous wine regions).
The combination of the moderating influence of the ocean climate, the poor nutrition of the marine soils, and the warm California sun which extends the growing period are what make the Sta Rita Hills the perfect AVA for cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Introducing wine drinkers to lesser-known wine regions that are making world-class wines is one of the raisons d’être for VOON, and we’re very excited to share this Chardonnay with you.
The vineyard
Located only 9 miles off of the Pacific Ocean on Santa Rosa Road, this sought-after vineyard (unfortunately we can’t share the name at this time) farms 40 acres of grapes organically on a 285 acre property.
The Chardonnay is planted on riverside blocks off the Santa Ynez River on well-drained sandy loam and river gravel deposits.
the winemaking
At VOON, we believe that the varietal (in this case Chardonnay) and the terroir should be the star. As a result, we intentionally take a minimal approach to winemaking.
These grapes were hand-harvested on September 14, 2022 in the early hours of the morning. We used native yeasts for fermentation, performed daily pump downs during fermentation, and then aged the wine on the lees for 7 months in 100% neutral French Oak barrels before bottling. There are no additives other than sulfur, which we use exceedingly sparingly — only once while the wine is in barrel and once during bottling.
Please serve VOON’s Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay chilled (50° - 55° F is ideal) in a stemmed wine glass with a large bowl for the optimal nose, taste, and overall enjoyment.