2021 Tan Fruit - Chardonnay Willamette Valley Fairview
Tan Fruit is Jim Maresh’s experimental Chardonnay project, a side label that travels beyond the family estate to source fruit from diverse Willamette Valley sites. While Arterberry Maresh remains focused on estate lots, Tan Fruit embraces Maresh’s core methods—early picking and bone-dry fermentation—applied to fruit from Fairview Vineyard for this bottling.
This Chardonnay shines with the 2021 vintage, a year many Willamette Valley winemakers regard as among the finest in recent memory due to its dry growing season and naturally low yields. The wine was aged using a deliberate blend of oak and stainless steel to preserve energy and freshness while allowing a touch of texture to develop.
Fermentation finished completely dry, staying true to Maresh’s meticulous, hands-on approach. The aromatics are inviting, with red apple and quince leading the bouquet, supported by nuanced notes of mushroom, matchstick, hay, and acacia flower.
Tasting notes
- Body: light and focused, with an energetic, precise profile
- Flavor: savory fruit core that stays bright and lively
- Finish: long, mineral-driven and refined
Pairings and occasions
- Roast chicken for a comforting weeknight pairing
- Seared scallops to highlight the wine’s mineral edge
- Soft ripened cheeses that melt into the wine’s delicate texture