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