Lightfoot and Wolfville Ancienne Chardonnay (750ml)

Ancienne Chardonnay is a biodynamic certified (by Demeter), single-vineyard wine from the Lightfoot Home Farm Vineyard in Wolfville, Nova Scotia where excellent exposure, particularly fine soil drainage and incessant saltwater breezes combine with natural airflow to create conditions that are remarkably conducive to the growing of vibrant, distinctive and full-flavoured Chardonnay grapes.

The 2020 growing season surpassed previous records and was one of Nova Scotia’s warmest growing seasons 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.

Spontaneous fermentation took place in barrel using indigenous yeasts. A full malolactic fermentation, also indigenous, softened the mouthfeel and imparted a creamier texture. Aging of 18-months sur lie in French oak (20% new, 80% old/neutral) provided depth and further enhancement to texture.