Located at the southern tip of the Naramata Bench, the Four Shadows Vineyard is just outside of Penticton, Canada’s 4th driest city - receiving only 346 mm of precipitation each year. The lack of precipitation combined with almost constant breezes mean disease pressure is low, and less vineyard intervention is needed to maintain healthy fruit. With an extreme continental climate, summers on the Naramata Bench routinely enjoy 250-300 hours of bright sunshine. All of these factors contribute to ripe fruit retaining bright acidity.
At the winery, the Tightrope 2022 Chardonnay grapes were whole cluster pressed and the juice was cold settled over 3 days before being racked off their solids. This wine was 100% barrel fermented in French oak for 3 weeks, and aged on lees for 9 months. Half of the wine went through malo-lactic fermentation, allowing the acid and flavours to harmonize in the wine.
Tasting Note
This ripe and creamy Chardonnay strikes a delicate balance with notes of lemon, and apple fritter while the oak presence suggests butter cookie, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Food Pairing
At 13.8% alcohol, this Chardonnay stands up to decadent meals like seafood chowder or steak au poivre while delivering great acidity to cut through those dishes’ richness.