# Dark Horse Chardonnay (2022)

- **Producer:** Dark Horse Wines
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €8
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** guava, blossom, pineapple, peach, apple, pear, cream, toasted bread, butter, vanilla, honey, caramel

## About this wine

Dark Horse Chardonnay is a 2022 vintage white wine from California, produced by Dark Horse Wines. The brand's philosophy, 'fortune favors the bold,' guides winemaker Beth Liston and her team in their pursuit of creating distinguished wines. The grapes are sourced from selected California vineyards, with the 2022 growing season in Central California noted for warmer conditions leading to concentrated fruit. The brand aims to offer the distinction and opulence of a high-end wine at an affordable price.

## Interesting facts

- The brand's name, Dark Horse, embodies a spirit of unexpected success and bold ambition.
- Winemaker Beth Liston leads a team focused on pushing winemaking boundaries.
- The 2022 vintage received a Silver Award at Mundus Vini 2024.
- Grapes are sourced from vineyards with vines averaging 25 years old.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and richness can stand up to flavorful dishes. Its balanced acidity cuts through richer elements like cream and fat, while its fruit notes complement dishes with subtle sweetness or spice.

## Wine making process

The Dark Horse Chardonnay 2022 is produced using grapes sourced from selected California vineyards. Fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures (55-62°F or 56°-64°F) with carefully chosen aromatic yeasts to enhance fruit notes. The wine undergoes aging on oak or in oak, which imparts complexity and mouthfeel, while some portions may be aged in stainless steel to preserve acidity. Harvest occurs at optimal ripeness during cooler parts of the day. Some winemaking processes may include malolactic fermentation and 'sur lie' aging.