Lightfoot and Wolfville Ancienne Chardonnay (750ml)
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Wine Type
White Wine
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Size
750ml
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Vintage
2020
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Country
Canada
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Region
Nova Scotia
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Sub-Region
Wolfville
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Grape
Chardonnay
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Farming Method
BiodynamicAll of our products that are tagged with the term Biodynamic are either biodynamic certified or biodynamic practicing. Learn More
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ABV
13%
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Food Pairing
PoultrySeafoodWarm Vegetable Dishes
Lightfoot & Wolfville is owned and operated by the Lightfoot family who have been farming in the Annapolis Valley for eight generations. Lightfoot & Wolfville brings a light touch and enlightened approach to both the agricultural and artisanal aspects of viticulture and winemaking. They work in harmony with nature and letting the land offer up its innate best, without subjecting it to aggressive inputs. The winery is located on the home farm site, this land has been in Michael’s family for four generations.
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.
Method
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.
Our Thoughts
The winemaking team at Lightfoot & Wolfville have been on the forefront of excellent Chardonnay in Nova Scotia ever since the release of the Ancienne lineup, beginning with the 2013 vintage. The 2020 release, however, is on a whole other level – so invitingly ripe, with perfectly integrated oak, crunchy minerality and mouthwatering acidity. There’s been murmurs in the industry that this is one of the best non-sparkling wines ever crafted in Nova Scotia. While it’s drinking exceptionally well right now, all signs point to this being one for the cellar…if you’ve got the patience.
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