| Chardonnay has emerged as the premier white | | | | Chardonnay wines are produced from regions |
| wine in California. Originating from | | | | with long moderate days and cool nights. |
| Burgundy, France, the Chardonnay grape has | | | | They prefer rich alluvial soils and access to |
| enabled vintners from the Golden State to | | | | a consistent water source.Just as Oakville |
| produce opulent white wines with crisp, bold | | | | and Rutherford are synonymous with premium |
| flavors. A well made Chardonnay can be | | | | quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Carneros is |
| enjoyed in a wide array of situations; from | | | | unmatched in the Napa Valley as far as |
| celebrations to a quiet night in front of the | | | | Chardonnay production goes. Carneros is the |
| fire.Although the best known Napa wine is | | | | southernmost AVA of the Napa Valley. Its day |
| Cabernet Sauvignon, the Chardonnay is nipping | | | | time temperature is moderated by fog from the |
| at its heels. White wine has long been | | | | nearby San Pablo Bay. Additionally, because |
| thought of as the boring counterpart of the | | | | Carneros is not protected by the Mayacamas |
| strong, awe-inspiring red, but premium | | | | mountain range, their vineyards are heavily |
| Chardonnay producers have put this stereotype | | | | affected by the winds that sweep through the |
| to sleep.Thankfully, the preferences of the | | | | valley.These winds cause the vines to shut |
| individual wine consumer have progressed to | | | | down metabolically, keeping the acid high and |
| encompass a larger range of styles and | | | | sugar low. These two qualities are a |
| flavors. This change can be attributed to | | | | trademark of premium Chardonnay grapes, and |
| the progression of winemaking and innovative | | | | is one of the main reasons why Carneros is |
| farming techniques. The use of malolactic | | | | famous for producing the grape. Choosing a |
| fermentation has enabled vintners to give | | | | Chardonnay from this region increases your |
| their wines buttery, creamy flavors.The | | | | chances of getting a great wine, but it does |
| importance of the winemaker cannot be | | | | not ensure that you will get what you want. |
| understated, but great wines are made in the | | | | The following are some of my favorite |
| vineyard. Because of the complexity of | | | | producers of the grape in the Napa |
| viticulture, there are an enormous number of | | | | Valley.Acacia Winery may be best known for |
| variables that influence the vine, and | | | | its Pinot Noir, but their Carneros Chardonnay |
| consequently the grape. When these | | | | is gaining recognition as one of the best |
| conditions are right, grapes can be grown | | | | white wines in the Napa Valley. Their full |
| with unmatched flavor.Understanding which | | | | bodied, crisp Chardonnays pair beautifully |
| regions are best suited to produce the | | | | with citrus flavored seafood, but are also |
| different varietals is the first step in | | | | enjoyable on their own. |
| choosing a great wine. In general, the best | | | | |