| Chardonnay has emerged as the premier white wine | | | | These two qualities are a trademark of premium |
| in California. Originating from Burgundy, France, the | | | | Chardonnay grapes, and is one of the main reasons |
| Chardonnay grape has enabled vintners from the | | | | why Carneros is famous for producing the grape. |
| Golden State to produce opulent white wines with | | | | Choosing a Chardonnay from this region increases |
| crisp, bold flavors. A well made Chardonnay can be | | | | your chances of getting a great wine, but it does not |
| enjoyed in a wide array of situations; from | | | | ensure that you will get what you want. The |
| celebrations to a quiet night in front of the fire. | | | | following are some of my favorite producers of the |
| Although the best known Napa wine is Cabernet | | | | grape in the Napa Valley. |
| Sauvignon, the Chardonnay is nipping at its heels. | | | | Acacia Winery may be best known for its Pinot Noir, |
| White wine has long been thought of as the boring | | | | but their Carneros Chardonnay is gaining recognition |
| counterpart of the strong, awe-inspiring red, but | | | | as one of the best white wines in the Napa Valley. |
| premium Chardonnay producers have put this | | | | Their full bodied, crisp Chardonnays pair beautifully |
| stereotype to sleep. | | | | with citrus flavored seafood, but are also enjoyable |
| Thankfully, the preferences of the individual wine | | | | on their own. |
| consumer have progressed to encompass a larger | | | | Ramey Wine Cellars recently received the award of |
| range of styles and flavors. This change can be | | | | the "Best Chardonnay Over $20," by the American |
| attributed to the progression of winemaking and | | | | Wine Awards. Their Hyde Vineyard in Carneros |
| innovative farming techniques. The use of malolactic | | | | produced the fruit for this wine. Its sensationally |
| fermentation has enabled vintners to give their wines | | | | complex flavors are strongly influenced by their |
| buttery, creamy flavors. | | | | innovative oak aging process. |
| The importance of the winemaker cannot be | | | | Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is best known for making |
| understated, but great wines are made in the | | | | the Cabernet Sauvignon that put the Napa Valley on |
| vineyard. Because of the complexity of viticulture, | | | | the map at the 1976 Paris Tasting. They are also a |
| there are an enormous number of variables that | | | | leader in producing Chardonnay. The fruit they use is |
| influence the vine, and consequently the grape. When | | | | grown in their Carneros vineyard, and is the main |
| these conditions are right, grapes can be grown with | | | | reason for the overwhelming success of this wine. |
| unmatched flavor. | | | | Additionally, many great Chardonnays come from |
| Understanding which regions are best suited to | | | | Mount Veeder, which is in the hills north of Carneros. |
| produce the different varietals is the first step in | | | | The climate is a bit warmer and the soils deeper and |
| choosing a great wine. In general, the best | | | | more austere than their southern, low-lying neighbor. |
| Chardonnay wines are produced from regions with | | | | Mount Veeder Chardonnays are usually more full |
| long moderate days and cool nights. They prefer rich | | | | bodied than their Carneros counterparts. Some |
| alluvial soils and access to a consistent water source. | | | | excellent wineries that produce Chardonnay in the |
| Just as Oakville and Rutherford are synonymous with | | | | Mount Veeder AVA include Chateau Potelle and |
| premium quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Carneros is | | | | Mayacamas Vineyards. |
| unmatched in the Napa Valley as far as Chardonnay | | | | Choosing the right wine from a restaurants wine list |
| production goes. Carneros is the southernmost AVA | | | | or a Grocery store can be a daunting task. But |
| of the Napa Valley. Its day time temperature is | | | | following a few basic principles can narrow your |
| moderated by fog from the nearby San Pablo Bay. | | | | choices and increase your chances of finding a great |
| Additionally, because Carneros is not protected by | | | | wine. When looking for a great California Chardonnay |
| the Mayacamas mountain range, their vineyards are | | | | from the Napa Valley, start with the AVA. Then look |
| heavily affected by the winds that sweep through | | | | at the winery and vintage; if you do not recognize |
| the valley. | | | | any of the wineries, cross your fingers and choose a |
| These winds cause the vines to shut down | | | | wine that fits into your budget. Good Luck and enjoy |
| metabolically, keeping the acid high and sugar low. | | | | Chardonnay from the Napa Valley. |