Nielson by Byron Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay 2018

Production

This wine comes from three growing regions within Santa Barbara County, each of which is influenced by unique soil types and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Santa Maria Valley is one of California’s coolest AVAs with well-drained soils and one of the longest growing seasons in the world. When picked at earlier stages of ripeness, Chardonnay from the Santa Maria Valley shows more citrus notes, and as the fruit ripens on the vine, it becomes increasingly tropical in expression. Slightly warmer in climate, the Los Alamos area has sandy loam soils. Just south of Santa Maria Valley and Los Alamos, the Sta. Rita Hills AVA is characterized by steep vineyard slopes, a distinct gravel minerality, and the signature Santa Barbara County ocean influence. 80% of this wine is fermented in stainless steel, 100% aged in French oak for nine months