Reserve Chardonel Fact Sheet

BLEND INFORMATION: Our Chardonel is the result of an exciting new hybrid grape cross between the famed Chardonnay and the popular Seyval, developed at New York's Cornell University in 1953. Select grapes, additional sur-lie aging and a higher proportion of new French oak set our Reserve Chardonel apart from our regular Chardonel. Ninety percent of the blend was aged sur-lie, "with yeast lees" in small French oak barrels to add flavor and complexity to the wine. By inserting a stainless steel paddle inside the barrel and stirring gently once every four days, our winemaker is able to mix the wine with the dead yeast cells, or lees, which have settled to the bottom. The yeast cells slowly release a multitude of compounds that develop the wonderful, complex flavors in the wine. Our Reserve Chardonel spends one year in the oak barrels before being bottled. 450 cases produced.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Harvested late-August 2006; Alcohol - 13.3%; Residual Sugar - 0.1%

TASTING INFORMATION: The additional sur-lie aging and higher proportion of new French oak create a richer, toastier style framing the pear, citrus and guava notes of the Chardonel grape. Enjoy with roast chicken or salmon with rich butter and cream sauces or when you just want to treat yourself to the best. Suggested retail price: $24.99 (750 ml)

AWARDS:

Gold

2008 San Diego International Wine Competition, CA

Silver

2008 New World International Wine Competition, CA
2008 National Women's Wine Competition, CA
2008 San Francisco International Wine Competition, CA
2008 Indy International Wine Competition, IN
2008 Mid-American Wine Competition, IA

Bronze

2008 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, NY
2008 International Eastern Wine Competition, NY
2008 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition, CA 

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