# Drew Chardonnay Bahl Briney Anderson Valley (2022)

- **Producer:** Drew Family Cellars
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.3%
- **Average price:** €30
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, lemon, apple, butter, toast, hazelnut

## About this wine

Drew Family Cellars was founded in 2000 by Jason and Molly Drew on Fa te De Mer Farm in Mendocino County, just three miles from the Pacific Ocean. The winery focuses on site-expressive, cool-climate wines from organically farmed vineyards in Anderson Valley. The name 'Bahl Briney' comes from Boontling, a 19th-century local dialect from Boonville, translating to 'the good stuff from the coast.' This wine highlights high-elevation coastal vineyards planted to heritage Chardonnay clones.

## Interesting facts

- 'Bahl Briney' is Boontling dialect for 'the good stuff from the coast.'
- Drew Family Cellars has been named a Top 100 Winery of the Year nine times by Wine & Spirits Magazine.
- The grapes come from organic vineyards situated just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean.

## Food pairing

This energetic, medium-bodied white wine pairs wonderfully with rich seafood, poultry, and creamy or mushroom-based dishes. Its crisp acidity cuts through fat and richness, while its subtle coastal minerality harmonizes with ocean fish and savory proteins.

## Wine making process

The fruit is harvested from organically farmed sites including Valenti Ranch and Clow Ridge Vineyard. Fermentation begins in stainless steel with native yeasts during a cool three-week ferment before being transferred to barrel to complete primary fermentation. The wine undergoes 100% natural malolactic fermentation and ages for 11 months in neutral French oak foudres and barriques before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.