2020 Ancienne Chardonnay

$39.13 / 750mL

2020 Ancienne Chardonnay

The Ancienne Chardonnay is the pinnacle, single-vineyard expression of the Lightfoot Home Farm Vineyard in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Sheltered by the moderating influence of the Bay of Fundy, our farming practices are certified organic (Ecocert Canada) and biodynamic (Demeter). The vines for this wine are meticulously maintained with leaf removal and cluster thinning by hand to enhance ripening potential. These practices, combined with incessant saltwater breezes from the Minas Basin allow for great airflow throughout the canopy, important for maintaining the overall health of this vineyard.

The 2020 growing season surpassed previous records as our warmest growing season to date. Dry weather throughout the growing season meant that disease pressure was low. Yields were below average but fruit quality was exceptionally high; an especially great vintage for still wines.

Hand-harvested and hand-sorted on October 16th and 19th. Pressed whole-cluster with no sulphite addition. Indigenous fermentation took place in mostly used French oak (17% new, 25% 2nd fill, 21% 3rd fill, 37% 4th fill +) in a combination of 225 L barriques (60%) and 500 L puncheons (40%). Élevage of 21-months in barrel with a slow malolactic conversion over a 8 month period. Bottled September 15th 2022. Minimal sulphite addition prior to bottling.

Technical Details

Varietal Composition
100% Chardonnay
Alcohol
13%
pH
3.54
Total Acidity
6.7 g/L
Residual Sweetness
2.4 g/L
Production
1010 cases (6 x 750 mL)
Certification
Organic (Ecocert) & Biodynamic (Demeter) 

Tasting Notes

Medium yellow gold in the glass. On the nose, notes of lemon crème brûlée, white nectarine and apple blossom. Richness meets freshness on the palate with a textured, stony grip, demonstrating the grace and balance Nova Scotia’s distinctive growing environment is gaining reputation for.

Pairing suggestions include lobster dipped in brown butter, Cornish game hen, scallops in beurre blanc, truffle butter pasta and aged hard cheeses such as cave-aged Gruyère.

Serving Temperature: 11-13°C

Recommended Drinking: 2022-2031