Our commitment to tradition and quality in wine production is exemplified by our use of French oak barrels for fermentation and aging our Chardonnay. The winery imports French oak barrels made to our specifications as to wood type and toasting levels by various Tonnelleries (Mercier, etc). Stonington Chardonnay wines are fermented, undergo malo-lactic conversion and are aged sur-lees for 11 months in a combination of new and used barrels. Our red wine (Cabernet Franc), after fermentation either in stainless steel tanks or in small open-topped bins, are aged from 12-18 months in predominately new barrels. The other varietal and proprietary wines are produced in computer-controlled stainless steel fermenters at lower temperatures to capture their distinctive varietal character. The Seaport White is fermented in stainless steel tanks allowing the wines to be fruity and crisp.

---