McManis Chardonnay

McManis Family Vineyards sources fruit from the Central Coast appellation of California, a region defined by diurnal temperature swings that preserve natural acidity in white varieties. The vineyard operates under sustainable viticulture practices, managing canopy and soil health to balance ripeness with freshness.

This Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel, a deliberate choice that prioritizes varietal character over oak-derived complexity. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, softening malic acidity into rounder lactic notes while retaining the bright mid-palate typical of unoaked expressions. No oak aging means the wine preserves primary fruit aromatics and mineral tension from the Central Coast terroir.

The special feature here is restraint: in an era of heavily oaked California Chardonnay, McManis opts for a food-friendly profile that allows the wine's natural stone fruit and citrus character to dominate. This is a working Chardonnay, not a showpiece.

Drink 2024–2026 for optimal freshness.