RELATIONSHIPS
Catena: High-altitude Chardonnay and used barrels: comparative perspectives
Read geography, grape resources, and production processes separately.
Vineyard
A parcel at 1,450m with stony soils.
Fermentation
Barrel fermentation, partial MLF, bâtonnage.
Aging
12–16 months in used French oak.
This is a schematic diagram summarizing the main text. It does not represent production areas or quality rankings. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
Even within the same vineyard, select plots
White Stones 2020 is made from selected rows of the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Official sources note an elevation of 1,450m and stony, alluvial soils. This is one step more detailed than using large place names, making it a good exercise in reading vineyard-level data.
FIELD NOTE 02
Separate fermentation and maturation
The materials state fermentation in French oak barrels, with bâtonnage and partial malolactic fermentation. Aging is 12–16 months in French oak barrels used for the 2nd to 4th time. ‘Barrel fermentation’ and ‘new barrel aging’ are not synonymous.
FIELD NOTE 03
Observe acidity and texture separately.
Cold nights are clues to slow ripening and acid retention. On the other hand, lees stirring and MLF are clues to mouthfeel. Do not decide the contribution of each process only by the drinker's sensations; instead, separate observation and documented facts in your notes.
Cannot determine. The barrels for White Stones 2020 were used for the 2nd to 4th time; lees and MLF are also information relevant to the wine’s texture.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
If barrel fermentation gives richness, can you conclude it’s 100% new oak?
Read the explanation ＋
Cannot determine. The barrels for White Stones 2020 were used for the 2nd to 4th time; lees and MLF are also information relevant to the wine’s texture.
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Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
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