The Wines
Ardente Estate Winery is a family-owned estate organized in the manner of a traditional European chateau. The winery and the vineyard are located on the estate in the quiet hills of Atlas Peak, at an altitude of 1500 feet just eight miles from the city of Napa. The rocky, volcanic terrain and arid climate denigrate the vines, forcing them to work harder and produce more concentrated fruit. The harvest commence most years in late October, giving the grapes a long hang-time, resulting in well ripened and mature fruit. The hand-harvested grapes are sorted and destemmed, then fermented in small tanks, for ultimate skin contact. After pressing; the wine is aged for a minimum of 2 years in 225 liter French oak barrels, and an additional 2 years in the bottle. The finish wine shows a rich dark ruby red color, extraordinary complexity and approachable full bodied tannins. Truly a style of wine that can be enjoyed upon release, with the promise to steadily evolve in character with age.
