# Bread & Butter Chardonnay Reserve (2021)

- **Producer:** Bread & Butter Wines
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apricot, peach, tropical fruit, butter, vanilla, almond

## About this wine

Bread & Butter Chardonnay Reserve 2021 is a white wine from California produced by Bread & Butter Wines. The winery, located in Napa Valley, aims to create uncomplicated and enjoyable wines. Winemaker Linda Trotta's philosophy centers on personal preference, stating that the best wine is the one you like. The 2021 vintage benefits from California's diverse terroirs, including Sonoma Coast and Napa Valley, which are well-suited for Chardonnay cultivation. The wine's name, 'Bread & Butter,' directly references the foundational winemaking techniques of oak aging and malolactic fermentation that contribute to its characteristic profile.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Bread & Butter' highlights key winemaking techniques: oak aging and malolactic fermentation.
- Winemaker Linda Trotta's motto: 'A good wine is a wine you like.'
- The Reserve bottling represents an enhanced expression of their core philosophy.
- Production volume for Bread & Butter wines reaches 50,000 cases annually.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and creamy texture complement rich dishes, while its balanced acidity cuts through fatty elements. Flavors of oak and tropical fruit in the wine can echo or contrast with ingredients in the food, creating harmonious pairings.

## Wine making process

The Bread & Butter Chardonnay Reserve 2021 is produced using a combination of winemaking techniques designed to create a rich and approachable wine. Key processes include partial malolactic fermentation and barrel fermentation, which contribute to its characteristic texture and complexity. The wine is subsequently aged for 10 months in a mix of French, Hungarian, and American oak barrels. This aging process allows for the integration of oak influences and the development of a smooth profile. The producer's philosophy centers on creating wines that are straightforward, enjoyable, and accessible.