Steel Chardonnay 2019
Trade Tools
France / Burgundy
This unoaked Chardonnay combines the minerality of the Mâconnais with the body and flavor of the Cote d’Or. The vineyard soils contain a high percentage of chalk and limestone, which imparts firm mineral nuances. Steel Chardonnay is vinified with no oak and malolactic fermentation instead being aged in stainless steel tanks to retain the elegant aromas and clean, fresh character that the Burgundy region is prized for.
Harvest Note
The 2019 vintage was very healthy and quality should be high, a tricky flowering period and hot summer weather have conspired to lower the crop substantially compared to last year. Volumes may be down as much as 30 - 40% in some areas and affects both white and red crops. The year began with a fairly mild winter, and May was very wet. There was some frost in early April but damage was not too extensive overall. June also got off to a cool start which led to an uneven flowering with shatter being a factor in places. The rest of the year was “ideal” but there was next to no rain during the summer months which, on the one hand, has led to superbly concentrated grapes but, on the other, a drastic reduction in volumes.
Tasting Note
This wine shows high-toned aromas of citrus, mandarin orange, white flower, pear and apple, with flinty minerality. Surprisingly concentrated and balanced for such a young wine, the flavors on the palate are at once delicate, powerful and rich.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Burgundy
PH: 3.45
ACIDITY: 3.70 g/l
ABV: 12.96%
Unique Selling Points
- Minerality of the Mâconnais and the body and flavor of the Cote d’Or
- Fresh, light, crisp and refreshing
- Vinified without oak to retain the wine’s elegant aromas and clean, fresh character
“My aim is to craft enchanting wines that taste of the great diversity of Burgundy.”
Frederic Barnier, Winemaker
About the Grape
Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
