I had the pleasure to sit and chat with Rachel Martin, Owner/Vintner of Oceano Wines (Marbue Marke is the Winemaker). If her name sounds familiar it’s because she used to work with her family at Boxwood Estate Winery (Middleburg, VA) before starting Oceano. We sampled two Chardonnays – 2016 & 2017. This beautiful expression of Chardonnay is made in San Luis Obispo, CA. This location gets fog in the morning, 80 degrees in the afternoon and it’s also just a mile and a half from the ocean. So you know that means a perfect balance of acidity and hints of sea salt.
The grapes are hand picked and slow pressed. Rachel describes her wines as “wines that I love to drink” and “wine made to pair with food.” The Pan Con Tomate and interesting Ferment Toast (Whipped Ricotta, Kimchi, Black Garlic, Fermented Honey-Mustard, Cocoa Nibs) were a surprising, yet perfect pairing for her wines.
I’m waiting for the Pinot Noir, which should be available later this year.
