A green-skinned grape variety, Chardonnay originated in the Burgundy wine region of eastern France. Today, it’s grown wherever wine is produced, including New Zealand, England, and, of course, the Napa Valley. Boutique winery tours in the area feature elegant and expressive Chardonnays that offer distinct takes on the versatile grape.
Already known for its handcrafted Napa wines, including red blends and cabernets, Strala Vineyards is proud to release its inaugural 2019 Chardonnay.
The Enduring Popularity of Chardonnay
Rich and buttery to unoaked and naked, Chardonnay is a worldwide favorite white wine that continues to climb the production ladders. While most people are familiar with its oak influences and fresh fruit flavors like pear, apple, and melon, newer versions of the wine are foregoing the oak to meet consumer demands.
One of the greatest advantages of Chardonnay is that it pairs so well with many different types of food, including poultry, seafood, pork, and dishes with rich butter or heavy cream bases. Unoaked versions are excellent accompaniments to curry dishes, guacamole, salads, and garlic-based recipes.
Chardonnay is also one of the wines that helped put Napa Valley on the map. In 1976, the Paris Tasting included a blind, comparative tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from California against the best wines of Burgundy and Bordeaux and Burgundy. To many people’s surprise, the top honors went to Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon. Napa Valley was never the same.
Handcrafted Napa Wines From Strala Vineyards
Fresh and vibrant Strala Vineyards’ 2019 Chardonnay is a well-balanced white wine with medium weight. Notes of honeysuckle, lemon confit, and crème Brulee combine beautifully with aromas and flavors of pineapple, mango, and tangerine and a light touch of oak. The result is a pleasing, lingering finish that makes this wine well worth seeking out.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry
Did you know that chardonnay is the most grown white wine grape in California’s northern wine region? With so many different wines featuring distinctive flavor profiles to choose from, you’re never far away from a beautiful taste of the Napa Valley. Why not make a visit to Strala part of your next boutique winery tour? Open daily from 10 to 5, we’re located on the Brasswood Estate in St. Helena. Stop by and say hello—we’re always excited to share our love of winemaking with our guests!