Chardonnay 2023 – Chateau Oumsiyat

The Chardonnay Château Oumsiyat grapes were sorted prior to vinification to ensure the fruit was healthy and ripe. The grapes were then pressed and the must was racked to stainless steel fermentation tanks, where the must was fermented at 14 to 16°C with selected yeasts. Chardonnay Château Oumsiyat did not undergo malolactic fermentation to maintain the crisp, fresh style. The wine rested on its fine lees for three months adding texture and subtle complexity before being gently filtered and bottled.

The vines are planted at an altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level, where the warm days are tempered by cooler nights. The summer diurnal temperature difference is 20°C, which encourages an extended ripening period, concentrating the flavours and aromatic complexity in the berries, while retaining balancing acidity from the cooler nights. The soil is calcareous clay which is a cool soil that has good water retention properties to nourish the vines during the hot, dry summers. Due to its pH, calcareous clay soils tend to produce refreshing wines, which encourages further balance to the ripeness of fruit. The vines are cane pruned and are planted at a density of 4,000 vines per hectare. The vineyard is cultivated with respect for the environment and the grapes are hand-harvested at optimal maturity.