The Lady of the Sunshine is Gina Giugni. She grew up on a biodynamic farm in the Sierra Foothills and now farms full-time the 6.5 acre Chene Vineyard in Edna Valley, next to San Luis Obispo. The vineyard is now Demeter-certified biodynamic. She also makes small quantities of unmanipulated, expressive, and lovely chardonnay, pinot noir, gamay, sauvignon blanc, and primitivo (from Chene and other vineyards). Chene Vineyard chardonnay underwent 100% whole-cluster fermentation with light extraction throughout the fermentation. It was aged for 9 months in neutral French oak barrels before being racked for the first time to bottle. Unfined and unfiltered and 12.8% alcohol. The nose of orchard fruits, hay, and cold stones blossoms with air. The palate is restrained and savory, without richness or overt weight. Drink it with amaebi sushi or shrimp crudo, any other shellfish, creamy potato soup, or potato gratin… or just to thumb your nose at ignorant California chardonnay haters!
