Alma Rosa Chardonnay

The winery name associates “Alma,” the Spanish word for soul, with “Rosa,” a reference to the site being part of the original 19th century Santa Rosa land grant. The Alma Rosa project is based on the principle of “nature and agriculture in sustainable harmony.” Richard and Thekla Sanford are committed to sustainable farming, their employees and producing wines of extraordinary depth and balance. Careful environmental considerations are applied in the production of their wine, packaging and daily business practices. All of their wine bottles may be returned to the winery for re-use, as indicated by the recycling logo on top of the capsules and on their back labels.

Shying away from the overtly oaky style of some California Chardonnays, this version shows more of the fruit and acid highlights of the grape variety, especially as these grapes were grown in a cool climate condition. The wine is brisk and clean, with a racy mineral streak running through classic apple and pear flavors, and has elements of lemon and honey. In order to preserve freshness this wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation.

 

2008 Vintage - 89 Points, Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2009

“Bone dry and tart in citrusy acidity, this is a Chablis-style Chardonnay. It has a firm minerality grounding clean flavors of sour pineapple candy, with richer notes of vanilla and smoky oak. Elegant and food-friendly. $19 -SH”