There is also little doubt that the \u201cNapa Cab\u201d style is immediately recognizable and is often imitated around the world - an impressive feat for a comparatively young wine region that does not have centuries of winemaking tradition to follow! Napa Valley wines have become an integral part of California\u2019s robust economy that reaches far beyond basic production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The History of Napa Valley<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNapa Valley is north and east of San Francisco, running about 30 miles long and only about 5 miles wide. Flanked by the Vaca Mountains to the east and the Mayacamas to the west, it was formed by volcanic and earthquake activity, much like most of California\u2019s rugged terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its location allows Napa Valley to enjoy a Mediterranean climate<\/strong><\/em>, with warm dry summers and cool rainy winters. Combined with its unique patchwork of soils, its unique terroir enabled early European settlers to see that wine grapes thrived there.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGeorge Yount, namesake of today\u2019s Yountville, is credited with first having planted grapes in the late 1830s. Other settlers soon followed suit and the potential for commercial wine production was realized. By 1861, Charles Krug opened the first commercial winery and within 30 years, there were close to 150 commercial wineries throughout the Napa Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Early success, however, was quickly met with adversity. Napa did not escape the global phylloxera plague, and by the end of the 19th<\/sup> century, the majority of Napa vines were devastated by the louse. Before wineries had adequate time to fully recover, the Volstead Act was passed and proved to be the final nail in the coffin for many commercial wineries.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA few were able to maintain operations with under-the-radar production, and investors were quick to move in when when Prohibition ended. By the mid 1940s, Napa production increased steadily and the subsequent decades saw now-legendary names come in and build empires that spearheaded the high quality that we know today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Despite thriving local business, Napa wines struggled to gain deserved international attention. That all changed in 1976 with the now-infamous \u201cJudgment of Paris.\u201d British merchant Steven Spurrier organized a blind-tasting competition between famous French wines and their Californian counterparts. Top Bordeaux were tasted blindly with Napa Cabs, and white Burgundies with California Chardonnays. And, although almost all judges were French, Chateau Montelena\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> Chardonnay and Stag\u2019s Leap Wine Cellars\u2019 Cabernet Sauvignon took the top spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\nToday, Napa is king of American wine regions and its wines stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the finest Bordeaux and Burgundies<\/strong><\/a>. Innovative winemakers have also started experimenting with a wider variety of grapes, which will likely change global perception of what Napa can grow. Napa is committed to pursuing excellence for decades to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nRELATED: The Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit This Year<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNapa Valley Grape Varieties<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe question in Napa, really, is what doesn\u2019t<\/em> grow? Just about any varietal does well here, understanding that micro-climates do vary quite a bit. Everything from Riesling<\/strong><\/a><\/span> to Zinfandel<\/strong><\/a> is cultivated, but the following are the most commonly found:<\/p>\n\n\n\nCabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCab dominates Napa Valley, making up 40% of all plantings. It absolutely thrives here and is used to produce robust, tannic, and fruit-forward wines. While most are meant to age for a while, the fruit allows them to be enjoyed much earlier than their Bordelais counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nChardonnay and Cab aren\u2019t usually bedfellows since they thrive in difference climates, but Chardonnay has proved to do remarkably well in different sub-AVAs around Napa. In particular, it flourishes in Carneros<\/strong><\/em>, that cooler area that straddles both Napa and Sonoma. There, it is often used for Sparkling Wines<\/strong><\/a> as well and is part of the traditional Champagne-style Chardonnay-Pinot Noir blend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nPinot Noir<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSimilar to Chardonnay, Pinot needs slightly cooler conditions than Cab but it loves the Carneros AVA. Expect heartier versions compared to Burgundies, with deep color, bolder fruit, and a richer mouthfeel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Merlot<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThankfully, Merlot is making a comeback! This formally heralded grape suffered the \u201cSideways Effect\u201d after the film but was still grown throughout Napa for single-varietal bottlings as well as for blends. After nabbing Wine Spectator\u2019s top wine in 2017, we have seen more returning to popular consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMuch like its Bordeaux brethren Cab and Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc really, really<\/em> likes Napa Valley. Stylistically, Napa Sauv Blancs tend to fall between Bordeaux and New Zealand: fewer grassy green notes, but more white florals with zesty citrus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nNapa Valley Sub-AVAs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
From the south end of Napa Valley, the first sub-AVA is Carneros<\/strong>, which straddles over to Sonoma Valley as well. Moving north from there are Oak Knoll<\/strong>, Yountville<\/strong> and Stag\u2019s Leap District<\/strong>, Oakville<\/strong>, Rutherford<\/strong> (famous for its \u201cRutherford dust\u201d soil), St. Helena<\/strong>, and finally Calistoga<\/strong>. Cabernet does well throughout this run. Pinot Noir thrives in Carneros and Oak Knoll because both experience a cooling influence from San Pablo Bay, and Zinfandel loves the heat of Calistoga.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJust to the west of the main drag, you\u2019ll find the Mount Veeder AVA<\/strong> and the Spring Mountain<\/strong> and Diamond Mountain Districts<\/strong>. Cab, Merlot, and Zin all love it in these areas with some of the most-valued Cabs grown in Spring Mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTo the east of Calistoga is Howell Mountain<\/strong>, home to some legendary Cabernets<\/strong><\/em><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAtlas Peak<\/strong> is to the east of Stag\u2019s Leap District, and both Merlot and Cab do well here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinally, the lesser-known AVAs of Chiles Valley<\/strong>, Coombsville<\/strong> and Wild Horse Valley<\/strong> are slightly further afield. Chiles Valley is east of Lake Hennessey, and Pinot Noir does well there. Coombsville is just east of Napa city itself, up against Solano County. Wild Horse Valley is mostly in Solano, but bits overlap to Napa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nNapa Valley Wines to Try Available Nationally<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere is no shortage of Napa Valley wines available around the United States. Among the most popular labels are Duckhorn, Mondavi, Caymus<\/a>, Cakebread,<\/strong> and Rombauer<\/strong>, but the options are almost limitless. Despite some wines commanding top dollar, there are plenty of affordable options, so work with a trusted wine merchant to find those that best fit your palate and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can take a look at some of our favorite wineries and partners within Napa below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Written By Jamie Metzgar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nJamie Elizabeth Metzgar began her career in wine by pouring in a tasting room on the East End of Long Island, NY. After moving to New York City, she landed a position at Chambers Street Wines where she was encouraged to pursue wine education at the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). She earned Level III certification there and has since earned California Wine Appellation Specialist and Certified Specialist of Wine certifications as well. After way too many moves, she is now in the Central Coast of California where she is compiling an unofficial roster of dog-friendly tasting rooms.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n[jetpack_subscription_form title=\"Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!\" subscribe_text=\"Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published.\" subscribe_button=\"Sign Me Up!\"]\n","post_title":"Napa Valley","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"napa-valley","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-04 20:01:30","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-05 00:01:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=wine_region&p=4307","menu_order":0,"post_type":"wine_region","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"sub_region":{"term_id":1330,"name":"Calistoga AVA","slug":"calistoga-ava","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1330,"taxonomy":"sub_region","description":"","parent":0,"count":0,"filter":"raw"},"address_1":"1429 Tubbs Ln","address_2":"","country":{"ID":418,"post_author":"12","post_date":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_date_gmt":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_content":"","post_title":"United States","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"united-states","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_modified_gmt":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=country&p=418","menu_order":0,"post_type":"country","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"state":{"ID":1431,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_date_gmt":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_content":"","post_title":"California","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"california","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_modified_gmt":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=state&p=1431","menu_order":0,"post_type":"state","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"city":"Calistoga","postal_code":"94515","lat":"38.602514","lng":"-122.597722","place_id":"ChIJe3YejENChIARd_6ag05qBmw","tasting_details":"The Barrett dream - start with their famous Chardonnay followed for four estate Cabernet Sauvignon. tasting take 90 minutes.
\r\nCurrent release by appointment - Its a semi-private experience, offering a flight of 5 wines. duration of one hour.
\r\nLibrary Tasting - Enjoy exclusive wines, Vintages of Montelena classics, 60 minutes tasting.
\r\n
\r\nChateau Montelena Tasting Prices:<\/strong>
\r\nThe Barrett dream - $90 per person.
\r\nCurrent release by appointment - $40 per person.
\r\nLibrary Tasting - $60 per person.","tasting_price":"$40 - $90","tour_details":"Vineyard Tour<\/strong>
\r\nExplore their vineyard and learn about the Climate topography, soils, farming practices. Availability dependent on weather and harvest season.
\r\n
\r\nEstate Tour<\/strong>
\r\nTaste their current release wines while exploring a guided walking through the property, takes 90 min.
\r\n
\r\nChateau Montelena Wine Tour Prices:<\/strong>
\r\nVineyard Tour - $60 per person.
\r\nEstate Tour - $50 per person.","tour_price":"","reservations_required":true,"reservation_details":"Reservations are required to visit Chateau Montelena.","gallery":[{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jade_Lake_900_506_70.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/th.jpg","title":"","description":""}],"grapes":[{"ID":1874,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-03-08 16:52:07","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-08 16:52:07","post_content":"\nEditor's Note:<\/strong> Winetraveler is a reader-supported publication and this article may contain affiliate links. We review and recommend all products independently. When you buy wine through our site, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChardonnay is a white wine grape variety native to Burgundy, France. It\u2019s currently the most popular white wine grape variety in the world and can have a diverse flavor profile depending on where it\u2019s grown and if oak is used during the aging process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a>What Does Chardonnay Taste Like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChardonnay can be lean and acidic or rich and buttery depending on a variety of terroir and vinification conditions. In general, it can be leaner and brighter when it\u2019s from cooler regions like Burgundy<\/strong> and richer and more fruit-forward when it\u2019s from hotter regions like Napa<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nClassic notes that can be found in Chardonnays are apple, pear, lemon, apricot, ginger, melon, papaya, and white floral notes. When it\u2019s aged in oak or undergoes malolactic fermentation, there can also be buttery-toasty notes, which can sometimes be confused with flavors inherently found in the grape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, the heavy-handed use of oak led some wine drinkers to abandon Chardonnay altogether, which is a shame since it shows beautifully when the oak notes are well integrated. Fermenting and aging in steel tanks can elicit the purer notes inherent to Chardonnay without intrusive oak notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Chardonnay](\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/chardonnay-vines-in-burgundy-winetraveler.jpg\")
<\/a>Aerial perspective of Chardonnay vines in Burgundy, France.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Chardonnay Food Pairings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to pairings, think about the weight of the dish and the weight of the wine. Those brighter, more acidic Chardonnays work beautifully with seafood, including firm white fish, salmon, lobster, mussels, and shrimp. Avoid overly spicy sauces that overpower the fruit of the wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richer Chardonnays also work well with poultry and pork, particularly those with creamy or buttery sauces. Chardonnay also loves pasta dishes like alfredo or primavera. Due to the apple notes of richer Chardonnays, it pairs naturally with autumnal produce like roasted pumpkin and Brussel sprouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Climate and Terroir for Chardonnay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChardonnay hails from the Burgundy region of France<\/a><\/strong>, where it is arguably still at its finest. The limestone-rich soil with fossil deposits lends the distinctive minerality that can be found in white Burgundies, particularly Chablis<\/a><\/strong>. Chardonnay is one of the grapes that make up sparkling wines in neighboring Champagne<\/a><\/strong> and can be found in small plantings in other regions of France like the Loire Valley<\/a><\/strong>. It also can work well in Italy<\/a><\/strong> because it can thrive in a variety of climates.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOutside of Europe, Chardonnay has flourished in California<\/strong>, particularly in Sonoma<\/a><\/strong> and Santa Barbara County<\/strong>. It also has worked well in New York State, both on Long Island<\/a><\/strong> and along the Niagara Escarpment<\/a><\/strong>, and throughout Oregon<\/a><\/strong> and Washington<\/a><\/strong>. Chile<\/a><\/strong> and Argentina<\/a><\/strong> have also produced some lovely examples on Chardonnay, though they do tend to be on the more buttery side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>How is Chardonnay Aged? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBecause of its naturally high acidity, Chardonnay is very age-worthy, particularly when it\u2019s from cooler regions that help maintain the higher acidity levels. As it ages, that zippy acidity breaks down and evolves into softer, more nuanced wines. Though commonly aged in oak, it\u2019s not necessary to do so because steel tanks or stone cisterns allow the wine to age without imparting an oak influence. When aged in oak, newer oak will have the strongest influence while older barrels will soften the wine and impart a more subtle oak flavor (if detectable at all).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best Chardonnays can age for decades, as can the best Champagnes. Most inexpensive Chardonnays are meant to be enjoyed more immediately, though even they can age a bit if the acidity levels are high enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Recommended Chardonnay Wines to Buy Online from Around the World <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Liquid Farm \u2018Golden Slope\u2019 Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong>, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hanzell Chardonnay<\/strong><\/a>, Sonoma Valley, California<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jean-Paul Brun Domaine des Terres Dorees<\/strong><\/a>, Beaujolais Blanc, Beaujolais, France<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Domaine Christian Moreau, Chablis<\/strong><\/a>, Burgundy, France<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pio Cesare, \u2018L\u2019Altro\u2019 Chardonnay<\/strong><\/a>, Piedmont, Italy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- El Enemigo Chardonnay<\/strong><\/a>, Mendoza, Argentina<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions about Chardonnay Wine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
George Yount, namesake of today\u2019s Yountville, is credited with first having planted grapes in the late 1830s. Other settlers soon followed suit and the potential for commercial wine production was realized. By 1861, Charles Krug opened the first commercial winery and within 30 years, there were close to 150 commercial wineries throughout the Napa Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Early success, however, was quickly met with adversity. Napa did not escape the global phylloxera plague, and by the end of the 19th<\/sup> century, the majority of Napa vines were devastated by the louse. Before wineries had adequate time to fully recover, the Volstead Act was passed and proved to be the final nail in the coffin for many commercial wineries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few were able to maintain operations with under-the-radar production, and investors were quick to move in when when Prohibition ended. By the mid 1940s, Napa production increased steadily and the subsequent decades saw now-legendary names come in and build empires that spearheaded the high quality that we know today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Despite thriving local business, Napa wines struggled to gain deserved international attention. That all changed in 1976 with the now-infamous \u201cJudgment of Paris.\u201d British merchant Steven Spurrier organized a blind-tasting competition between famous French wines and their Californian counterparts. Top Bordeaux were tasted blindly with Napa Cabs, and white Burgundies with California Chardonnays. And, although almost all judges were French, Chateau Montelena\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> Chardonnay and Stag\u2019s Leap Wine Cellars\u2019 Cabernet Sauvignon took the top spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, Napa is king of American wine regions and its wines stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the finest Bordeaux and Burgundies<\/strong><\/a>. Innovative winemakers have also started experimenting with a wider variety of grapes, which will likely change global perception of what Napa can grow. Napa is committed to pursuing excellence for decades to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n RELATED: The Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit This Year<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The question in Napa, really, is what doesn\u2019t<\/em> grow? Just about any varietal does well here, understanding that micro-climates do vary quite a bit. Everything from Riesling<\/strong><\/a><\/span> to Zinfandel<\/strong><\/a> is cultivated, but the following are the most commonly found:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cab dominates Napa Valley, making up 40% of all plantings. It absolutely thrives here and is used to produce robust, tannic, and fruit-forward wines. While most are meant to age for a while, the fruit allows them to be enjoyed much earlier than their Bordelais counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chardonnay and Cab aren\u2019t usually bedfellows since they thrive in difference climates, but Chardonnay has proved to do remarkably well in different sub-AVAs around Napa. In particular, it flourishes in Carneros<\/strong><\/em>, that cooler area that straddles both Napa and Sonoma. There, it is often used for Sparkling Wines<\/strong><\/a> as well and is part of the traditional Champagne-style Chardonnay-Pinot Noir blend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Similar to Chardonnay, Pinot needs slightly cooler conditions than Cab but it loves the Carneros AVA. Expect heartier versions compared to Burgundies, with deep color, bolder fruit, and a richer mouthfeel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfully, Merlot is making a comeback! This formally heralded grape suffered the \u201cSideways Effect\u201d after the film but was still grown throughout Napa for single-varietal bottlings as well as for blends. After nabbing Wine Spectator\u2019s top wine in 2017, we have seen more returning to popular consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Much like its Bordeaux brethren Cab and Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc really, really<\/em> likes Napa Valley. Stylistically, Napa Sauv Blancs tend to fall between Bordeaux and New Zealand: fewer grassy green notes, but more white florals with zesty citrus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n From the south end of Napa Valley, the first sub-AVA is Carneros<\/strong>, which straddles over to Sonoma Valley as well. Moving north from there are Oak Knoll<\/strong>, Yountville<\/strong> and Stag\u2019s Leap District<\/strong>, Oakville<\/strong>, Rutherford<\/strong> (famous for its \u201cRutherford dust\u201d soil), St. Helena<\/strong>, and finally Calistoga<\/strong>. Cabernet does well throughout this run. Pinot Noir thrives in Carneros and Oak Knoll because both experience a cooling influence from San Pablo Bay, and Zinfandel loves the heat of Calistoga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just to the west of the main drag, you\u2019ll find the Mount Veeder AVA<\/strong> and the Spring Mountain<\/strong> and Diamond Mountain Districts<\/strong>. Cab, Merlot, and Zin all love it in these areas with some of the most-valued Cabs grown in Spring Mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To the east of Calistoga is Howell Mountain<\/strong>, home to some legendary Cabernets<\/strong><\/em><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Atlas Peak<\/strong> is to the east of Stag\u2019s Leap District, and both Merlot and Cab do well here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, the lesser-known AVAs of Chiles Valley<\/strong>, Coombsville<\/strong> and Wild Horse Valley<\/strong> are slightly further afield. Chiles Valley is east of Lake Hennessey, and Pinot Noir does well there. Coombsville is just east of Napa city itself, up against Solano County. Wild Horse Valley is mostly in Solano, but bits overlap to Napa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n There is no shortage of Napa Valley wines available around the United States. Among the most popular labels are Duckhorn, Mondavi, Caymus<\/a>, Cakebread,<\/strong> and Rombauer<\/strong>, but the options are almost limitless. Despite some wines commanding top dollar, there are plenty of affordable options, so work with a trusted wine merchant to find those that best fit your palate and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can take a look at some of our favorite wineries and partners within Napa below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Written By Jamie Metzgar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jamie Elizabeth Metzgar began her career in wine by pouring in a tasting room on the East End of Long Island, NY. After moving to New York City, she landed a position at Chambers Street Wines where she was encouraged to pursue wine education at the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). She earned Level III certification there and has since earned California Wine Appellation Specialist and Certified Specialist of Wine certifications as well. After way too many moves, she is now in the Central Coast of California where she is compiling an unofficial roster of dog-friendly tasting rooms.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Editor's Note:<\/strong> Winetraveler is a reader-supported publication and this article may contain affiliate links. We review and recommend all products independently. When you buy wine through our site, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chardonnay is a white wine grape variety native to Burgundy, France. It\u2019s currently the most popular white wine grape variety in the world and can have a diverse flavor profile depending on where it\u2019s grown and if oak is used during the aging process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Chardonnay can be lean and acidic or rich and buttery depending on a variety of terroir and vinification conditions. In general, it can be leaner and brighter when it\u2019s from cooler regions like Burgundy<\/strong> and richer and more fruit-forward when it\u2019s from hotter regions like Napa<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Classic notes that can be found in Chardonnays are apple, pear, lemon, apricot, ginger, melon, papaya, and white floral notes. When it\u2019s aged in oak or undergoes malolactic fermentation, there can also be buttery-toasty notes, which can sometimes be confused with flavors inherently found in the grape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, the heavy-handed use of oak led some wine drinkers to abandon Chardonnay altogether, which is a shame since it shows beautifully when the oak notes are well integrated. Fermenting and aging in steel tanks can elicit the purer notes inherent to Chardonnay without intrusive oak notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to pairings, think about the weight of the dish and the weight of the wine. Those brighter, more acidic Chardonnays work beautifully with seafood, including firm white fish, salmon, lobster, mussels, and shrimp. Avoid overly spicy sauces that overpower the fruit of the wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Richer Chardonnays also work well with poultry and pork, particularly those with creamy or buttery sauces. Chardonnay also loves pasta dishes like alfredo or primavera. Due to the apple notes of richer Chardonnays, it pairs naturally with autumnal produce like roasted pumpkin and Brussel sprouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chardonnay hails from the Burgundy region of France<\/a><\/strong>, where it is arguably still at its finest. The limestone-rich soil with fossil deposits lends the distinctive minerality that can be found in white Burgundies, particularly Chablis<\/a><\/strong>. Chardonnay is one of the grapes that make up sparkling wines in neighboring Champagne<\/a><\/strong> and can be found in small plantings in other regions of France like the Loire Valley<\/a><\/strong>. It also can work well in Italy<\/a><\/strong> because it can thrive in a variety of climates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outside of Europe, Chardonnay has flourished in California<\/strong>, particularly in Sonoma<\/a><\/strong> and Santa Barbara County<\/strong>. It also has worked well in New York State, both on Long Island<\/a><\/strong> and along the Niagara Escarpment<\/a><\/strong>, and throughout Oregon<\/a><\/strong> and Washington<\/a><\/strong>. Chile<\/a><\/strong> and Argentina<\/a><\/strong> have also produced some lovely examples on Chardonnay, though they do tend to be on the more buttery side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of its naturally high acidity, Chardonnay is very age-worthy, particularly when it\u2019s from cooler regions that help maintain the higher acidity levels. As it ages, that zippy acidity breaks down and evolves into softer, more nuanced wines. Though commonly aged in oak, it\u2019s not necessary to do so because steel tanks or stone cisterns allow the wine to age without imparting an oak influence. When aged in oak, newer oak will have the strongest influence while older barrels will soften the wine and impart a more subtle oak flavor (if detectable at all).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best Chardonnays can age for decades, as can the best Champagnes. Most inexpensive Chardonnays are meant to be enjoyed more immediately, though even they can age a bit if the acidity levels are high enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNapa Valley Grape Varieties<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pinot Noir<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Merlot<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Napa Valley Sub-AVAs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Napa Valley Wines to Try Available Nationally<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n[jetpack_subscription_form title=\"Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!\" subscribe_text=\"Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published.\" subscribe_button=\"Sign Me Up!\"]\n","post_title":"Napa Valley","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"napa-valley","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-05-04 20:01:30","post_modified_gmt":"2023-05-05 00:01:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=wine_region&p=4307","menu_order":0,"post_type":"wine_region","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"sub_region":{"term_id":1330,"name":"Calistoga AVA","slug":"calistoga-ava","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1330,"taxonomy":"sub_region","description":"","parent":0,"count":0,"filter":"raw"},"address_1":"1429 Tubbs Ln","address_2":"","country":{"ID":418,"post_author":"12","post_date":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_date_gmt":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_content":"","post_title":"United States","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"united-states","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_modified_gmt":"2017-10-30 21:41:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=country&p=418","menu_order":0,"post_type":"country","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"state":{"ID":1431,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_date_gmt":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_content":"","post_title":"California","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"california","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_modified_gmt":"2018-02-21 12:33:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=state&p=1431","menu_order":0,"post_type":"state","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"city":"Calistoga","postal_code":"94515","lat":"38.602514","lng":"-122.597722","place_id":"ChIJe3YejENChIARd_6ag05qBmw","tasting_details":"The Barrett dream - start with their famous Chardonnay followed for four estate Cabernet Sauvignon. tasting take 90 minutes.
\r\nCurrent release by appointment - Its a semi-private experience, offering a flight of 5 wines. duration of one hour.
\r\nLibrary Tasting - Enjoy exclusive wines, Vintages of Montelena classics, 60 minutes tasting.
\r\n
\r\nChateau Montelena Tasting Prices:<\/strong>
\r\nThe Barrett dream - $90 per person.
\r\nCurrent release by appointment - $40 per person.
\r\nLibrary Tasting - $60 per person.","tasting_price":"$40 - $90","tour_details":"Vineyard Tour<\/strong>
\r\nExplore their vineyard and learn about the Climate topography, soils, farming practices. Availability dependent on weather and harvest season.
\r\n
\r\nEstate Tour<\/strong>
\r\nTaste their current release wines while exploring a guided walking through the property, takes 90 min.
\r\n
\r\nChateau Montelena Wine Tour Prices:<\/strong>
\r\nVineyard Tour - $60 per person.
\r\nEstate Tour - $50 per person.","tour_price":"","reservations_required":true,"reservation_details":"Reservations are required to visit Chateau Montelena.","gallery":[{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Jade_Lake_900_506_70.jpg","title":"","description":""},{"image":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/th.jpg","title":"","description":""}],"grapes":[{"ID":1874,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2018-03-08 16:52:07","post_date_gmt":"2018-03-08 16:52:07","post_content":"\n<\/a>What Does Chardonnay Taste Like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a>Chardonnay Food Pairings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Climate and Terroir for Chardonnay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How is Chardonnay Aged? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Recommended Chardonnay Wines to Buy Online from Around the World <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Frequently Asked Questions about Chardonnay Wine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n