Nielson Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2019

Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant before serving.

Nielson Wines traces its existence back to Uriel Nielson, an enterprising viticulturist who planted Santa Barbara’s very first vines back in 1964. The winery emphasises Burgundian grapes and hard graft. Those at Nielsen utilise techniques such as hand pruning and lees stirring, which give their wines an unmistakable character.

Before Nielson, it was generally believed that Santa Barbara County was far too cold a place to cultivate grapes. In fact, the unfavourable conditions have led to some brilliant wines, hammered into greatness by the unrelenting ocean winds. The grapes for this Chardonnay were sourced from prime plots across the county, resulting in a wine that perfectly embodies the cool climate of Santa Barbera.

The nose exhibits an appetising mixture of citrus and tropical fruits, with notes of orange blossom and pineapple. It is a classic Chardonnay, with remarkably pure fruits and a hefty, viscous body. It envelopes the tongue in further notes of citrus and sweet tropical fruit, with undertones of salinity and nut. You will also find a toasty side, gained from ageing in French oak for 8 months. This is a great wine for any occasion and will be good company for seafood, gooey vegetable risotto, or a chicken dish.