Summer Seminar Series: California Chardonnay

Chardonnay is arguably the most famous white wine grape in the world, and its mostly America’s fault. With the advent of varietal labeling of New World wines in the 1980s, Chardonnay became more strongly associated with a certain style of American white wine than any other geographical indication. Jancis Robinson calls it “the C-word” and its dominance is so ubiquitous that even now that plantings of it can be found all over the world. From its origin point in Burgundy to its most immediately recognizable New World stylings, there are no synonyms used to obscure what it is.

Originally named after a small commune in the Mâconnais, the varietal grows all over France, but the California iteration of Chardonnay as a powerful, full bodied, oaky wine has also achieved international recognition. In reality, Chardonnay from California demonstrates infinite variety. After all, it is an adaptive grape, capable of subtle differences in flavors. A diverse selection of available clones further magnifies its ability to thrive in a wide range of suitable growing environments.

Though naturally a fairly neutral as a grape variety, Chardonnay can pick up a wide variety of aromatic expression through certain winemaking techniques, leading to the grape being labelled as “a winemaker’s wine.” It takes easily to barrel fermentation and oak aging, and malolactic fermentation can impart flavors of butter and cream, along with a softer acid structure and mouthfeel. Whatever the winemaking choices, American Chardonnay is responsible for some of the greatest white wines available today.

• Ridge, Chardonnay Estate, 2016
• Chamisal, Chardonnay Monterey County, 2016
• Ramey, Chardonnay Russian River Valley, 2015
• Failla, Chardonnay Coombsville ‘Haynes Vineyard’, 2015
• Hirsch Vineyards, Chardonnay, 2014
• HdV, Chardonnay ‘Hyde Vineyard’, 2014

The Seminar begins promptly at 3pm, please arrive a few minutes before.
Includes an appropriately paired snack
Seating is limited to 35 people.
Reservations are required, by email or phone 505.983.2100
$15 Seminar Fee, credited with a $150 order of these wines.