Chardonnay Tasting at Wine Watch

Wednesday, April 27, 2016 - 07:30 PM

This Event has been read: 1925 times.

 

Getting to know wine is getting to know the world. More than just a complex and delicious drink, wine is history, geography, the very soil from which the grapes are grown. It opens us to life on a deeper level and it enriches and enhances our days.

THOM ELKJER, Adventures in Wine

 

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We have another great week of events next week and we still have a few seats left for our tasting with Chateau Angelus next Friday night at Cafe Max.  This is a sit down pre-poured event and is limited to 20 tasters- check out the complete line-up on our web page.

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Next Wednesday night at Wine Watch we will pay tribute to one of the most famous white wine varietals on the face of the earth- Chardonnay.   We will give you our “Wine Drinking People” 30 different Chardonnay based wines on the table this evening.   Wine Watch Caterings' Toni Lampasone will be making a few tasty treats to accompany the wines and the fee for this tasting is $35+ tax for reservations call 954-523-9463 or email andy@winewatch.com.

 

Chardonnay Tasting at Wine Watch
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
7:30 PM

 

For much of the Chardonnay varietal's history, a connection was assumed between Chardonnay and Pinot noir or Pinot blanc. In addition to being found in the same region of France for centuries, ampelographers noted that the leaves of each plant have near-identical shape and structure. Pierre Galet disagreed with this assessment, believing that Chardonnay was not related to any other major grape variety. Viticulturalists Maynard Amerine & Harold Olmo proposed a descendency from a wild Vitis vinifera vine that was a step removed from white Muscat.

 

Chardonnay's true origins were further obscured by vineyard owners in Lebanon and Syria, who claimed that the grape's ancestry could be traced to the Middle East, from where it was introduced to Europe by returning Crusaders, though there is little external evidence to support that theory.

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Another theory about the evolution of Chardonnay is that it originated from an ancient indigenous vine found in Cyprus. Modern DNA fingerprinting research done at University of California, Davis, now suggests that Chardonnay is the result of a cross between the Pinot and Gouais Blanc (Heunisch) grape varieties. It is thought that the Romans brought Gouais Blanc from Croatia, and it was widely cultivated by peasants in Eastern France. The Pinot of the French aristocracy grew in close proximity to the Gouais Blanc, giving both grapes ample opportunity to interbreed. Since the two parents were genetically distant, many of the crosses showed hybrid vigour and were selected for further propagation. These "successful" crosses included Chardonnay and siblings such as Aligoté, Aubin Vert, Auxerrois, Bachet noir, Beaunoir, Franc Noir de la-Haute-Saône, Gamay Blanc Gloriod, Gamay noir, Melon, Knipperlé, Peurion, Roublot, Sacy[6] and Dameron.

There are around 40 clonal varieties of Chardonnay that can be found around the world today, most of which were developed at the University of Burgundy in Dijon. The so-called "Dijon clones" are bred for their adaptive attributes, with vineyard owners planting the clonal variety best suited to their terroir and which will produce the type of characteristics that they are seeking in the wine. Examples include the lower-yielding clones Dijon-76, 95 & 96 that produce more flavor-concentrated clusters. Dijon-77 & 809 produce more aromatic wines with a "grapey" perfume, while Dijon-75, 78, 121, 124, 125 & 277 are more vigorous and higher yielding clones.

New World varieties include the Mendoza clone, which produced some of the early Californian Chardonnays. The Mendoza clone is prone to developed millerandage, also known as "hens and chicks", where the berries develop unevenly.

 

 

We start our Journey with the Chardonnay grape in the Macon with one of my favorite producers in Burgundy, Domae Des Valanges.

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Twenty One Wines Presents:

 

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2014 Domaine Des Valanges Macon - Prisse "Le Clos"
 Price: $18.75    Your Price: $16.50              Case $192

The commune of Davayé is located in the southern part of Burgundy, in the heart of the Mâcon wine country near Cluny and west of Mâcon.  This small winegrowing village is nestled at the foot of the Roche de Solutré and the Roche de Vergisson.

The beautiful view of steep slopes from Les Valanges is like a picture post card of the Mâcon region.

Domaine Valanges was created in 1980.  At the time, all the vineyards were in the commune of Davayé, and totalled 2.5 hectares.  For the last 30+ years they have worked tirelessly to expand the estate.  In addition to this they have also built a new facility where the wine is made, stored, and prepared for shipment, which also houses a barrel cellar.

Little by little, they acquired several plots with just the right terroir, and the vineyards now cover 11 hectares in Davayé, of which 8 are entitled to the Saint Véran appellation.

The family has always been passionately attached to this land, faithful to the terroir, and committed to making unique wines from the limestone soil.

Their 11 hectares of vines are located halfway up the slope in climats, or vineyard sites, that are among the best in the Mâcon region.

Sun exposure is south by south-east and the soil in all instances clay-limestone (mostly limestone).  Most of the vines grow at an altitude of 200-300 metres.

This terroir is wonderful for Chardonnay, producing very expressive, mineral, floral wines with a great deal of fruit.

Domaine des Valanges has always tended my vines in a spirit of respect for the environment, and in view of making fine wine.

The focus here is on traditional methods that reflect the terroir in order to produce wines of character.  Furthermore, they feel it is important to let the vines find a natural equilibrium within their ecosystem. Therefore they intervene as little as possible in both viticulture and winemaking to retain each cuvée’s personality, as well as vintage character.

They decided to introduce supervised pest control based on observation, reflection, respect for the terroir and environmental protection.  They also do their utmost to obtain the best from each vine, also thinking about keeping the soil healthy and alive by ploughing and adding organic fertilizer only as necessary.

The quintessence of Chardonnay, the Domaine Valanges wines reflect differences in soil, sun exposure, microclimate, etc. in the various vineyard plots from which they are produced.  It is still fun for Mathieu and Camille Paquet, the sons of Michel Paquetto to study the unique personality of each plot and each terroir. After spending many years acquiring an intimate knowledge of the domaine, blending wines with different characteristics, and experimenting with several winemaking methods, they have learned a fundamental lesson: there is no such thing as luck when it comes to making great wine, or a successful blend. Straightforward, well-focused, mineral, and expressive wines can only result from a harmonious marriage between wine from different plots.

 

 

2014 Domaine Des Valanges Saint Veran
Price: $20.25    Your Price: $17.82               Case $207

This cuvée is a blend of wine made from thirty years old vines on various slopes in the commune of Davaye in the following climats (vineyards sites): Les Valanges, Les Carettes, Les Terres-Noires and Les Creches. The Vineyards plots face south by south-east and north-east. The terroir is clay limestone with a high percentage of fairly lean limestone soil. The vines grow on the middle of the Solutre and Vergisson Slopes.

** Also available in magnums!! Sale $39.50

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2014 Domaine des Valanges Saint Veran Les Cras MAGNUM
Price: $57.00    Your Price: $50.16               Case $291
Quantity in Stock: 10

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2013 Domaine Des Valanges hors classe Saint Veran
Price: $30.75    Your Price: $27.06               Case $314
Quantity in Stock: 5

Saint-Véran is located in southern Burgundy, in the subregion of the Maconnais. The area borders the more famous appellation of Pouilly-Fuissé,though both enjoy similar chalk and clay soils. The grape here is Chardonnay.  This wine is refined and elegant with bright clean green apple and citrus aromas and flavours.

 

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2014 Domaine des Valanges Pouilly-Fuisse
Price: $30.75    Your Price: $27.06               Case $314

 

** Also available in magnums!! Sale $57.37

 

2013 Foxen Chardonnay Block UU Bien Nacido Vineyard             
Price: $33.75       Sale $29.70          Case $345

A very intense sea shell like salty mineral component to the white peach and apricot like fruit, a very unique minerality here on the nose, quite a bit more pronounced on the second day.  A very rich textured wine on the tongue with a honeyed note to the apricot and peach fruit with that distinct minerality through the finish.  Finish 45+  Excellent +         

 

2013 Bethel Heights Chardonnay Estate Eola Amity        
Price: $30.00

All of their wines are estate grown and family owned since 1977.  A bit of a flinty mineral like character to the lemon and green apple fruit, a bit like a white burgundy in it's aromatics, maybe a bit of a musty note to the bouquet.  Bright and fresh style with a nice touch of lightly toasted oak spice and a zesty citrus laced finish.  Finish 45+          Very Good +     

 

Marco

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Bouchaine Chardonnay Carneros  2013
Price: $28.50       Sale $25.08          Case $291

This winery has been around since 1981 owned by the copland family the facility has been around since 1899. A good amount of tropical fruit on the nose with lemon drop candy with a hint of vanilla bean spice, they have 40 acres of chardonnay whole cluster press and broken into lots, some barrel fermented to give the wine layers. A very balanced style with a nice touch of oak spice. Finish 40+ Only 7000 cases Excellent

 

2013 Dry Creek Vineyard Estate Block 10, Russian River
Price: $33.00       Sale $29.04          Case $337

A single block wine with a good amount of ripe tropical fruit on the nose, vanilla bean crème brulee.  Nice richness on the tongue with a smooth creamy texure on the tongue, nice balance and just a whiff of oak here.  Finish 45+           Excellent                

 

Lafollette North Coast Chardonnay 2013
Price: $ Sale $    Case $

This Chardonnay offers a bouquet of citrus zest, brioche and lemon verbena that continues to develop with time in the glass. A satiny entry of lemon-curd and Asian pear notes transitions to a core of bright acidity, a result of the partial malolactic fermentation of the stainless steel tank lots. Caramelized green apple and a hint of toast mark the finish. Both elegant and energetic, our North Coast Chardonnay is a harmonious blend of tank and barrel fermentations, decidedly coastal in structure.

 

Lafollette Sangiacomo Chardonnay  2012
Price: $ Sale $    Case $

(92 Points) "The 2012 Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard possesses more orange blossom, honeyed corn and caramelized citrus characteristics than the other single-vineyard cuvees, as well as a deeper color, medium to full body, and white peach notes that come through as the wine airs out. Pure and rich, with no noticeable oak, it should drink well for 5-7 years." The Wine Advocate

 

 

Signature Selection

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Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014
Price: $54.00       Sale $47.52          Case $551.00

Pale gold color. Enticing, airy aromas of lemon zest and lime blossom are brought back to earth with those of bayleaf and wet flint. Fresh flavors of Asian pear and Honeycrisp apple are supported by abundant texture in the mid-palate. With vibrant acidity, typical of the extreme Sonoma Coast, this Chardonnay finishes with length and elegance.

 

Stags Leap Winery Chardonnay Napa 2014
Price: $23.00       Sale $20.24          Case $235

Distinct aromas of lemon zest, tart white peach and crisp pear show generously in this refreshing and focused cool-climate Chardonnay. On the palate, vibrant citrus fruit flavors are balanced by a wet stone core and pleasant undertones of light smoke. Driven by wonderful fruit intensity, lasting lemon minerality and bright acidity, the Stags' Leap Winery Chardonnay walks the ideal line between delicacy and weight.

 

Carpe Diem Chardonnay Anderson Valley 2013
Price: $25.50       Sale $22.44          Case $261

Carpe Diem is ripe with aromas and very fruity, but with limited oak expressions. Acidity levels show off the Anderson Valley climate.

 

Pio Cesare Chardonnay Piodilei  2013
Price: $45.00       Sale $39.60          Case $459

(93 Points) "This is a very opulent style with intense white-truffle, yogurt and cooked-apple character. Full and intense. Layers of fruit and character. If you like sexy chardonnay from Italy, go for this. Drink now."James Suckling

 

William Fevre Champs Royaux Chablis 2014
Price: $23.00       Sale $20.24          Case $235

Fresh bouquet with notes of citrus and white fleshed fruit, with a very slightly oaky finish. Fresh and supple, the wine is marked by mineral notes that are typical of the appellation.

 

 

Republic National

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Butternut Chardonnay California 2014
Price: $15.75       Sale $13.86          Case $161

The 2014 Butternut Chardonnay is a full-bodied, round and opulent wine with ample amounts of soft, vanilla oak tones. Flavors of poached pear, peach and hazelnut lead into notes of crisp apple.

 

Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay Sonoma 2013
Price: $37.50       Sale $33.00          Case $383

2013 was another fabulous vintage, coming off the heels of a great one last year as well. This year provided us with wines of both finesse and concentration. Quality is excellent across the board and the crop was bountiful with very tasty fruit. This Chardonnay exhibits beguiling aromas of hazelnut, vanilla, peach, orange blossoms and notes of nutmeg and toasted almond coming from the French oak barrels. Flavors of red apples, pears and cream follow with a slightly sweet honey finish. Our Chardonnay is known for its long, rich and elegant finish, and this vintage is no exception.

 

Craggy Range Chardonnay Kidnappers 2012
Price: $22.50       Sale $19.80          Case $230.00

 

BR Cohn Sangiacomo 2013
Price: $27.75       Sale $24.42          Case $284

 

Sequoia Grove Carneros 2013
Price: $27.75       Sale $24.42          Case $284

Aromas of guava, tropical fruit, and pear followed by crème brulee and marshmallow with a little lemon peel, and brioche in the background. On the palate, the wine balances between delicate and rich, with a lively, bright palate and a hint of minerality leading into a custard finish.

 

Jadot Chablis 2014
Price: $24.75       Sale $21.78          Case $253

(90 Points) "The 2014 Chablis, which is raised entirely in stainless steel, has a vibrant bouquet with subtle yellow flower scents underlying the mineral tones. This is more premier cru standard than village cru. The palate is fresh and taut, superbly focused and animated with just a touch of spiciness toward the long and sustained finish. This top-notch Chablis comes strongly recommended." The Wine Advocate

 

North by Northwest  Columbia Valley. 2014
Price: $15.75       Sale $13.86          Case $161

The 2014 vintage carries flavors of melon and apple in its medium bodied entrance before rounding out into a balanced and smooth wine.

 

 

Menu

 

Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Vanilla scented Pulled pork tacquitos with grilled peach and honey crisp apple Chutney

Salmon tartar with pink grapefruit segments and honey lavender aioli served on savory black sesame rice crisps

BBQ Pulled chicken slider with Jalapeno Pineapple Mango Salsa on a Hawaiian Bun

Complete List of wines:

 

Twenty One Wines Presents:


2014 Domaine Des Valanges Macon - Prisse "Le Clos"
 Price: $18.75    Your Price: $16.50    Case $192

2014 Domaine Des Valanges Saint Veran
Price: $20.25    Your Price: $17.82    Case $207
** Also available in magnums!! Sale $39.50

2014 Domaine des Valanges Saint Veran Les Cras MAGNUM
Price: $57.00    Your Price: $50.16    Case $291
Quantity in Stock: 10

2013 Domaine Des Valanges hors classe Saint Veran
Price: $30.75    Your Price: $27.06    Case $314
Quantity in Stock: 5

2014 Domaine des Valanges Pouilly-Fuisse
Price: $30.75    Your Price: $27.06    Case $314
** Also available in magnums!! Sale $57.37

2013 Foxen Chardonnay Block UU Bien Nacido Vineyard     
Price: $33.75    Sale $29.70    Case $345

2013 Bethel Heights Chardonnay Estate Eola Amity     Price: $30.00

 

Marco

 

Bouchaine Chardonnay Carneros  2013
Price: $28.50    Sale $25.08    Case $291

2013 Dry Creek Vineyard Estate Block 10, Russian River
Price: $33.00    Sale $29.04    Case $337

Lafollette North Coast Chardonnay 2013
Price: $    Sale $    Case $

Lafollette Sangiacomo Chardonnay  2012
Price: $    Sale $    Case $

 

Signature Selection

 

Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014
Price: $54.00    Sale $47.52    Case $551.00

Stags Leap Winery Chardonnay Napa 2014
Price: $23.00    Sale $20.24    Case $235

Carpe Diem Chardonnay Anderson Valley 2013
Price: $25.50    Sale $22.44    Case $261

Pio Cesare Chardonnay Piodilei  2013
Price: $45.00    Sale $39.60    Case $459

William Fevre Champs Royaux Chablis 2014
Price: $23.00    Sale $20.24    Case $235

Duckhorn Napa Valley Chardonnay 2013
Price: $37.50


Republic National

 

Butternut Chardonnay California 2014
Price: $15.75    Sale $13.86    Case $161

Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay Sonoma 2013
Price: $37.50    Sale $33.00    Case $383

Craggy Range Kidnappers 2012
Price: $22.50    Sale $19.80    Case $230.00

BR Cohn Sangiacomo 2013
Price: $27.75    Sale $24.42    Case $284

Sequoia Grove Carneros 2013
Price: $27.75    Sale $24.42    Case $284

Jadot Chablis 2014
Price: $24.75    Sale $21.78    Case $253


North by Northwest  Columbia Valley. 2014
Price: $15.75    Sale $13.86    Case $161

 

Stacole


BROCARD CHABLIS STE CLAIRE 14
Price: $19.50    Sale $    Case $

DEBEAUMARCHE BOURGOGNE BLANC 13
Price: $18.00    Sale $    Case $

DEBEAUMARCHE PULIGNY MONTRACHET 1ER CRU “CHAMPS GAIN” 13
Price: $75.00    Sale $    Case $

PAUL CLUVER ESTATE CHARDONNAY 14
Price: $22.25    Sale $    Case $

SONOMA-LOEB CHARD SANGIACOMO VINEYARD 14
 Price: $26.00    Sale $    Case $

LEWIS CELLARS CHARDONNAY RUSSIAN RIVER 14   
Price: $60.00    Sale $    Case $

LEWIS CELLARS CHARDONNAY RESERVE 14  
Price: $79.00    Sale $    Case $

 

Breakthru


Lange Vineyards, Willamette Valley
Price: $23.75

Sonoma Cuter, Les Pierres Vineyard, Sonoma Coast,
Price: $42.75

Matrot Meursault, Chevalieres, Burgundy
Price: $54.00

Talbott Vineyards, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
Price: $39.00

Raeburn, Russian River
Price: $21.50

Rombauer, Carneros 2014
Price: $41.75

 

Southern Wine and Spirits

 

2013 Esk Valley                            
Price: $22.50

2014 Drumheller                                          
Price: $12.75

2014 CSM Cold Creek                                     
Price: $27.00

2013 CSM Canoe Ridge                                    
Price: $22.75

2014 SLWC Karia                                      
Price: $33.75

2013 Antica                                                      
Price: $33.75

2013 Cht St Jean Robert Young                
Price: $25.00    Sale $18.00

2013 Cht St Jean Belle Terre            
Price: $25.00    Sale $19.75

2014 Beringer Luminus                      
Price $22.50

2012 Beringer Private Reserve    
Price: $37.50

2013 Beringer Private Reserve              
Price: $37.50

2013 Beringer Napa Chardonnay             
Price: $16.50

2014 Tormaresca                                             
Price: $13.50