2018 Calera Mt Harlan Aligote
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Calera’s Mt. Harlan Vineyards are located in the Gavilan Mountains, 25 miles east of the Monterey Bay. The site was chosen for its limestone soils and ideal climate. At an average elevation of 2,200 feet it is among the highest and coolest vineyard sites in California. Calera was one of the first California wineries to produce Aligoté, a rare but prized variety in the United States. The variety is quite popular in Burgundy and has higher acidity than its famous Chardonnay counterpart.
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 100% estate Aligoté; Oak Profile and aging: Aged 6 months in 100% French oak
Winemaker Notes
Shimmering with cool-climate acidity and alluring floral notes, the 2018 Aligoté is both sophisticated and sensual, with layers of white peach, orange blossom, lemon peel and wet river rocks. On the finish, hints of sea spray and fresh-baked brioche add nuance and depth, carrying the wine to a long, satisfying finish.
Production
The quality of the 2018 growing season on Mt. Harlan was fantastic. After warm early spring weather led to an early budbreak, the temperatures cooled in latespring, followed by sunny days with moderate temperatures throughout the summer. This provided us with long hangtimes, which resulted in exceptional ripeness, while preserving excellent natural acidity in the grapes. The one negative was that the cool early weather during bloom caused a bit of shatter and reduced yields. While the crops were small, the quality was outstanding, producing beautifully complex wines, with lovely structure, and pure, varietal flavors.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Aligote
Appellation
Mt. Harlan
Acid
0.66g/100ml
pH
3.18
Alcohol %
13.5
