Tread Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2019
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Meyer lemon peel, white peach and a chalky tone show on the nose of this county blend—a new offering from Zaca Mesa. The palate is tense and loaded with lemon peel, nectarine and sea salt flavors.
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Wine & Spirits
A new project from the owners of Zaca Mesa, Tread draws from cooler sites in western Santa Ynez Valley. This appellation blend is lean and lemony, with a touch of lees and a texture that feels clean, saline and firm, a margarita of a wine for ceviche.
For over 45 years, Zaca Mesa Winery has pressed forward with integrity and intention, driven by their trailblazing spirit and passion for quality viticulture. Their experience and love for the region ultimately inspired a new endeavor – Tread, by Zaca Mesa Winery.
Honoring their family’s willingness to take a step in a new direction and their deep connection to the land, a connection that is expressed through wines with a true sense of place, Tread crafts ultra-premium, site-driven wines dedicated to showcasing the diversity of Santa Barbara County.
The vineyards they source fruit from are some of the most esteemed throughout the Santa Maria Valley and Sta. Rita Hills AVAs – two cool-climate appellations that are widely recognized for producing quality Burgundian varietals.
Paying tribute to the land their boots have tread upon for years, Tread wines represent perseverance, endurance and an unwavering respect for the vineyards they hope to walk amongst for many more decades to come.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.