Wente Vineyard Chardonnay Flight

A while back I was lucky enough to attend a wine and food tasting event from the exceptional Wente Vineyard. Not only are these Chardonnay’s rich in history, but in taste as well, without breaking the bank. Chatting with Karl Wente was truly an inspirational experience. He proudly shared the history of the vineyard that has been family owned for five generations and the various wines that the vineyard produces.

The three Chardonnays featured are the exceptional Nth° Chardonnay, Riva Ranch Chardonnay and Morning Fog Chardonnay. Each one offers its own unique flavor. In my opinion they are all full bodied, well balanced and smooth. However each is unique in that they have different degrees of fruit, butter, creaminess and oak.

From the back of the Morning Fog Chardonnay bottle it states: “Wente Vineyards, established in 1883, was the first California winery to produce a wine labeled as Chardonnay. Today, many of the great Chardonnay vineyards in California are planted with the Wente Clone.” What a legacy to be a part of! Not only that the Riva Ranch Chardonnay is grown in the Wente family’s sustainably farmed vineyards in Arroyo Seco, Monterey. The Nth° Chardonnay is in a class all its own. The vines are attended to with extreme care and precision in each of its growth stages. The grapes are hand harvested and are processed with attention to every detail creating small batches of a wine that truly is the Nth degree.

To quote Karl Wente “Great wines truly begin in the vineyard.” Chatty Advice – “Great meals begin in your kitchen with quality ingredients. Along side a great bottle of Wente Vineyard’s wine!”

Ingredients

1 bottle of Wente Vineyards Morning Fog (Livermore Valley)
1 bottle of Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch (Livermore Valley)
1 bottle of Karl Wente Nth° Chardonnay (Livermore Valley)

Technique

Chill or warm to cave temperature about 58 degrees Fahrenheit, open, pour and enjoy in this order Morning Fog Chardonnay, Riva Ranch Chardonnay and for the grand finale the Nth° Chardonnay. If you don’t store your wines at cave temperature and have refrigerated the wines take them out of the refrigerator and let them sit for about 15 minutes and you should have the right temperature. Chardonnay should not be served icy cold or you will not be able to enjoy the true flavor of the wine.

Suggested Entrées

For a first course try Sweet Corn Soup or Crab Fingers in a Vodka Butter Sauce. For an entrée try a Whole Cooked Lobster or Classic Risotto with Crab.

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