This week’s wine is a classic California white in a classic California style: First Press Chardonnay 2018 from California’s Napa Valley. Napa Chardonnay is what put the U.S. on the world’s wine radar when it topped the best of France in the famed “Judgement of Paris” tasting in 1976. Since then, Europe has taken a much closer look at American wines, whose quality, style and craftsmanship continue to raise the bar.
Tasting Notes: First Press Chardonnay leaps from the glass with delicate aromas matching full flavours of ripe lemon, grilled pineapple, apple and creamy vanilla notes. Bright acidity balances the rich fruit as sweet oak spices linger through the finish.
Enjoy With: Seafood dishes like lobster, crab cakes or grilled shrimp with creamy cheeses, and pastas, risotto or roast chicken.
Style: A dry, rich, full-bodied white wine.
Terroir/Region: First Press Chardonnay comes from the legendary Napa Valley, an area with a special balance of morning fog and afternoon sun which builds concentration and intensity in grapes, while keeping fresh acidity in the resulting wines. This balance between concentration and freshness has become one of Napa’s trademarks in both its red and white wines, helping it win fans the world over.
Producer: The producer of First Press Chardonnay is the Indelicato family of Delicato Family Vineyards. Over 100 years ago, Gaspare Indelicato planted vines in Lodi, California as it reminded him of his native Sicily. Today, the fourth generation of the Indelicato family is working with its parents, aunts and uncles to continue the tradition of quality-driven, family-made wine started by its great grandfather.
Availability: First Press Chardonnay 2018 will be available in the Vintages Section of your local LCBO and for online ordering on July 11, but some stores will have it on the shelf now.
Check LCBO store inventory
Price: $24.95
LCBO#: 199810
Size: 750mL
Alcohol Content: 14.5% alc./vol.
