Pray Tell 'Skin Contact' Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon

The 2020 Pray Tell Skin Contact is a thoughtful and experimental Chardonnay that pushes the boundaries of texture and expression. Crafted in Oregon’s Willamette Valley by winemaker Tom Caruso, this small-production wine showcases the complexity that skin fermentation can bring to a classic varietal. With just 55 cases made, it is a rare and compelling bottle that embodies both curiosity and craft.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Alcohol: 12.8% ABV
• Farming: Practicing biodynamic, organic, sustainable, vegan
• Winemaking: Two lots fermented on skins, one for 36 hours, one for 7 days; blended after 12 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered
• Production: 55 cases
• Winemaker & Owner: Tom Caruso

Sensory Description:

Aromatically lifted with notes of guava, peach, and wild strawberry, this skin-contact Chardonnay reveals layers of citrus, jasmine, and savory herbs as it opens. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied yet richly textured, carrying a round and tactile mouthfeel supported by saline minerality and firm tannic grip. Its savory and mineral-driven character balances beautifully with vibrant acidity, making for a wine that is both complex and refreshing.

Winemaker’s Background:

Tom Caruso grew up in South Philadelphia, learning the basics of winemaking from his grandfather with a hand-crank destemmer and basket press. After a career as a book editor in New York sparked his passion for wine, he pursued formal training and hands-on harvests across California and Oregon before founding Pray Tell in 2017. Rooted in curiosity and authenticity, Pray Tell wines reflect Tom’s commitment to sustainable farming, minimal intervention, and storytelling through every bottle. Recently, Tom brought his journey full circle by opening a winery in Philadelphia’s Olde Kensington neighborhood, housed in the same building where his family began their business decades ago.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled at 50–54 °F. This wine pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean mezze spreads, roasted root vegetables, grilled salmon, or earthy cheeses like Manchego. Its savory edge and mineral structure also make it an exciting companion for dishes featuring fresh herbs or umami-rich mushrooms.

The 2020 Pray Tell Skin Contact is a rare and captivating exploration of Chardonnay, offering texture, depth, and a sense of discovery in every glass.