CHARDONNAY:
This variety is the best-known white-wine grape grown in France and direct descendants of the original ancestral Pinot cepage x Gouais Blanc, ancient crossing. The wine made from it is often aged in small oak barrels to produce strong flavors and aromas. Possessing a fruity character (e.g: Apple, lemon, citrus) subsequent barrel-influenced flavors include "oak", "vanilla", and malolactic fermentation imparted "creamy- buttery" components. Quite cold-hardy although early to bud and susceptible to bunch rots, yet retains fruit crispness in warmer growing years. Tarsitano Winery Chardonnay rich fruit, warm buttery middles and deep vanilla finish.