Region: Santa Barbara County (Central Coast), California, United States
Grapes: 100% Aligoté
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Crisp green apple, lemon curd, white nectarine, lemongrass, and crushed ocean shell, with electric natural acidity, a subtle chalky texture, and a bone-dry, long, saline-mineral finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, oysters on the half shell, grilled trout with lemon, fresh goat cheese, ceviche, or roasted poultry with herbs
The Producer
Kleemeier Wines is a low-intervention artisanal project focused on crafting site-expressive, high-acid natural wines from coastal vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Operating under minimal-intervention principles, the winery prioritizes cool-climate microclimates shaped by Pacific Ocean breezes and marine fog. In the cellar, winemaking relies on native wild yeasts, gentle physical handling, neutral vessel aging, and minimal sulfur additions to allow the bright, maritime-influenced fruit to shine without heavy oak or chemical adjustments.
The Wine
This 100% Aligoté represents a rare California expression of Burgundy's historic high-acid white grape. Sourced from cool-climate, marine-influenced vineyards in Santa Barbara County, the hand-harvested grapes are gently whole-cluster pressed into stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels. Spontaneous fermentation is driven entirely by native wild yeasts, followed by aging on fine lees to build mid-palate texture while preserving the variety's razor-sharp focus. The 2024 vintage highlights intense citrus purity, flinty minerality, and a lip-smacking, saline finish.
Region: Santa Barbara County (Central Coast), California, United States
Grapes: 100% Aligoté
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Crisp green apple, lemon curd, white nectarine, lemongrass, and crushed ocean shell, with electric natural acidity, a subtle chalky texture, and a bone-dry, long, saline-mineral finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, oysters on the half shell, grilled trout with lemon, fresh goat cheese, ceviche, or roasted poultry with herbs
The Producer
Kleemeier Wines is a low-intervention artisanal project focused on crafting site-expressive, high-acid natural wines from coastal vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Operating under minimal-intervention principles, the winery prioritizes cool-climate microclimates shaped by Pacific Ocean breezes and marine fog. In the cellar, winemaking relies on native wild yeasts, gentle physical handling, neutral vessel aging, and minimal sulfur additions to allow the bright, maritime-influenced fruit to shine without heavy oak or chemical adjustments.
The Wine
This 100% Aligoté represents a rare California expression of Burgundy's historic high-acid white grape. Sourced from cool-climate, marine-influenced vineyards in Santa Barbara County, the hand-harvested grapes are gently whole-cluster pressed into stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels. Spontaneous fermentation is driven entirely by native wild yeasts, followed by aging on fine lees to build mid-palate texture while preserving the variety's razor-sharp focus. The 2024 vintage highlights intense citrus purity, flinty minerality, and a lip-smacking, saline finish.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.