Willamette Valley AVA Chardonnay Avni 2022 Lingua Franca

What kind of wine is it?

Lingua Franca's Avni Chardonnay is a white wine produced in Oregon's Willamette Valley, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. The winery's profile emphasizes freshness, tension, and remarkable aromatic complexity. Fermentation in wooden barrels and lengthy aging on the lees ensure a broad and well-integrated flavor profile. The result is a balanced, vibrant, and rounded glass, accurately conveying the characteristics of the grape variety and its terroir.

Where does it come from?

This wine is born in Oregon's Willamette Valley and is a blend of grapes from parcels located in various winegrowing zones, including Eola-Amity Hills, Chehalem Mountains, Yamhill-Carlton, and Van Duzer Corridor. The vines are rooted in shallow volcanic soils and marine sediments, which impart a distinct minerality to the palate. The vineyards, planted on eastern-facing slopes and managed according to sustainable farming practices , allow the fruit's natural tension and freshness to be preserved.

How it is produced

The winemaking process begins with whole-cluster pressing , followed by twenty-four-hour decanting of the must. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in wooden barrels, an essential step in imparting structure and breadth to the liquid. The wine then ages for eleven months, before completing a further six-month aging period in tanks on the fine lees after final blending . This extended period consolidates the complexity and flavor retention before bottling.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it appears clear and luminous. The nose reveals a complex and layered bouquet , characterized by hints of minerals, white flowers, citrus, and a delicate spicy texture. The palate is vibrant, rounded, and well-structured, guided by a marked natural freshness. The palate is enriched with clear hints of green apple, lemon zest, pear, quince, and fascinating hints of river stone . The tasting concludes with a harmonious and persistent finish , dominated by citrus and savory aftertaste.

What does it pair with?

The vibrant freshness of this glass makes it the ideal accompaniment for fish, shellfish, and seafood dishes with a balanced structure, where the raw ingredients take center stage. The pronounced minerality and citrus notes enhance delicate cooking methods and simple seasonings, thus avoiding overdone flavors. It is also ideal paired with simple, lightly cooked white meats , free from overpowering sauces or excessive saltiness. This balanced pairing allows the flavors to unfold and the rich aromatic profile to unfold.

When to serve it

This white wine is a safe choice when you're looking for a glass that combines a distinct freshness with the roundness that comes from long aging on the lees . It's ideal as a structured aperitif or to accompany full-course meals, offering a precise and satisfying sip, free of sharp edges. Its solid structure makes it suitable for substantial social occasions and is perfect for serving, ensuring a harmonious profile and consistent quality from start to finish.