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Chardonnay

Chardonnay Wine Details
Price: $15.95 per bottle

Description: 100% barrel fermented in French oak and aged “sur lies.” A blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Viognier, this wine exhibits wonderful balance and is a testament to the virtues of these varietals. The Chardonnay, fermented with a natural yeast, offers rich butterscotch and apple flavors, while the Viognier counters with hints of peach and pear and beautiful floral aromas. We recommend opening this wine an hour before drinking to allow the nose to develop fully. Serve with pasta, fish or lighter meat dishes.

Varietal Definition
Chardonnay:
Chardonnay is by far the most widely planted grape crop in California and dominates California’s cooler, coastal, quality wine regions. The natural varietal ‘taste and smell’ of Chardonnay is surprisingly unfamiliar to many wine drinkers, as its true character is often guised with dominating winemaking signatures. Chardonnay’s rather subdued primary fruit characteristics lean toward the crisp fruitiness of apples, pears and lemon, but the variety’s full body is capable of supporting a host of complementary characteristics, such as oak, butter and vanilla. Regardless of what is the appropriate style for Chardonnay, the varietal continues to dominate vineyard plantings in every corner of the world. Close attention to clonal selection has made this broad geographic and climactic range of Chardonnay viable in thoughtful viticultural hands.
Viognier:
The most acclaimed white wine grape from France's Rhône Valley, Viognier is a highly aromatic varietal, with a flavor profile that could include peach, apricot, nectarine, lichee, musk and flower blossom. The heady perfume of this varietal is one of its trademarks, although its flavors are sometimes problematic in matching with food. However, it does well with lobster, crab and moderately flavored fish. Use it as an apéritif as an alternative to Chardonnay. The "Rhône Rangers" in California have done an excellent job promoting this varietal.


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