Tasting Notes
Ravines Chardonnay is made with a process dating back to the Roman times: appasimento. Chardonnay grapes are partially dried in the sun, yielding a wine with lush aromas of pear, fig, citrus and hazelnut. As a cool climate Chardonnay this wine expresses fresh fruit flavors, a distinct mineral tinge, hints of butter and lightly toasted French Oak.
Using the "passito" method, 20% of the Chardonnay grapes are picked, sorted, then dried in single layers on trays for six weeks to concentrate their flavors. All of the grapes were fermented and aged in French oak barrels (16% new oak) with lees contact and full malolactic fermentation. The resulting flavors are subtle toasted brioche notes and a round mouthfeel.
Ravines Wine Cellars is owned and run by Morten Hallgren and his wife, Lisa since 2000. They expanded by purchasing a winery and vineyards on the north west side of Seneca Lake in 2012 and they also have a tasting room on the east side of Keuka Lake. They purchase grapes from the east side of Seneca Lake and other vineyards for this wine.
Morten, originally from Denmark, comes from a wine family. He grew up in Provence at Domaine de Castel Roubine. He attended enology and viticulture school in Montpellier, France and upon moving to the Finger Lakes worked at Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars before starting his own project. Morten and Lisa strive to create classically-styled wines that reflect their cool-climate terroir.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Cheese, Chicken/Turkey, Cream Sauce Pasta, Duck, Fish-full flavored (salmon/tuna), Hors d'oeuvres, Lobster & Crab, Mushrooms, Perfect Aperitif , Pork, Roasted Root Vegetables
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