# Napa Valley Chardonnay (2021)

- **Producer:** Chateau Montelena
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.7%
- **Average price:** €100
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blossom, apple, peach, lemon, orange, mint, vanilla, toast, brioche, honey, hazelnut, cinnamon

## About this wine

Chateau Montelena, established in 1882 by Alfred L. Tubbs, is one of Napa Valley's most historic and celebrated estates. The winery is permanently enshrined in wine history for its triumph at the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, where its 1973 Chardonnay took first place against prestigious French Burgundies, shattering the myth of European wine supremacy. Today, the estate remains fiercely family-owned and independent under the leadership of Bo Barrett. Located in Calistoga, the winery sources its Chardonnay from cooler vineyard sites in southern Napa Valley to craft a wine of exceptional structure, balance, and longevity.

## Interesting facts

- Chateau Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay won the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, beating top French white Burgundies in a blind tasting.
- A bottle of the historic winning 1973 vintage is held in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution.
- To preserve natural acidity, the winery completely blocks malolactic fermentation, avoiding the buttery style common in California.
- The winery is fully solar-powered and holds both Napa Green Land and Napa Green Winery certifications.

## Food pairing

This Chardonnay's high, driving acidity and medium-plus body make it an exceptional partner for rich seafood and poultry. The lack of malolactic fermentation means there is no heavy butteriness to clash with delicate flavors; instead, the wine's crispness cuts through the fat of cream sauces, butter-poached lobster, and triple-cream cheeses, cleansing the palate. The subtle French oak integration adds a touch of spice that complements roasted poultry and grilled fish.

## Wine making process

The winemaking philosophy for the Napa Valley Chardonnay focuses on preserving natural acidity and pure fruit expression, drawing inspiration from classic European styles. Grapes are harvested exclusively at night to maintain cool temperatures. Fermentation takes place slowly in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Crucially, malolactic fermentation is completely blocked (0% MLF) to retain the grape's crisp malic acidity and avoid buttery flavors. The wine is aged for 10 months on its lees in French oak barrels, with only about 8% new oak, ensuring the wood complements rather than dominates the fruit.