2002 Gallo Family Vineyards ESTATE Chardonnay Northern Sonoma California
Name:
Gallo Family Vineyards ESTATE Chardonnay Northern Sonoma California - 2000
Where it's from:
>USA
>California
>Sonoma County
Price per case:
£193.44
Bottle size:
75 cl
Bottles per case:
6
Style:
Rich Dry Whites
Grapes:
Chardonnay
Description:
After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Ernest & Julio Gallo started their winery in California. Unable to obtain bank loans, they rented a warehouse and bought equipment on credit. More than sixty years later, the Gallo family still controls one of the world's most successful wine companies.
The Gallo philosophy of continual improvement saw Julio Gallo travelling throughout California seeking high quality grapes and vineyards; he came to the conclusion that Sonoma County has the finest growing area in California. Its complex geography provides an endless variety of growing conditions, and eleven viticultural appellations have been established in Sonoma.
Grapes from Estate vineyard blocks located in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley were used for this wine. Gallo has achieved a worldwide reputation for producing Chardonnay grapes full of character and concentrated varietal flavour here. Sometimes referred to as a cool climate growing region, the Russian River Valley benefits from its proximity to the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Warm daytime temperatures routinely cool down at night as a result of marine fog intrusion. Such a weather phenomena slows the ripening process, allowing the grapes more time to deepen and develop character. The soil found at Laguna Ranch also plays an important role. Known as 'Sebastopol' series, it represents a mixture of gravelly and sandy loam ideal for growing world-class Chardonnay grapes.
Winemaking has been a tradition in the Gallo family for almost 70 years and the Estate bottled range is one of their flagship wines.All grapes were harvested by hand and whole cluster pressed in the winery. New French oak barrels were used to age sur lies for 11 months while being stirred every 2 to 3 weeks.
The vintage distinguishes itself by being powerful, focused and elegant all at the same time. With layer after layer of flavour and beautifully integrated textures, it is nothing short of extraordinary, a winning combination of New World fruit and Old World craftsmanship.
