Sip of the Day

October 5, 2020

Day #279 of the year.

Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay Reserve

Fall brings out the bakers in us: the combination of “sweatuh-weathuh,” spices, and a natural slowing down of the season is just irresistible for our comfort-food cravings. Plus, I’m ready to turn on the oven: I don’t know about your small Brooklyn apartment, but mine has no central AC, and a hot oven in 90 degrees in the summer is about as appealing as stepping in something sticky on a New York City sidewalk. This Napa Valley Reserve Chardonnay brings to mind one of fall’s greatest baking hits: pies! Especially apple pie. With its smooth texture, rich body, and creamy, lush flavors of apple, peach, and baking spices, you might even consider trying a slice of pie with a glass of it.

ORIGIN

Carneros, Napa Valley, California

Grapes

Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

Seductive, slightly floral aromas of creamy golden apple and honeydew melon, with complementary scents of crème brulee, yeast and mineral, preface a lush, full-bodied palate offering intense and expansive melon, peach and apple flavors accentuated by fresh, perfectly balanced acidity. The wine’s long, elegant and focused finish showcases bright, apple-y flavors with hints of citrus, mineral and oak spice. This delicious and complex Carneros Napa Valley chardonnay is enjoyable now, but will gain further complexity with another 5-7 years aging.

Food Match

Ideal with salmon, swordfish, veal and light pork, bouillabaisse or cream bisques.

AUTHOR:

Diana Zahuranec

Diana studied Anthropology at Penn State and Food Culture & Communications at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy. After living la bella vita in Italy for six years, she returned to the U.S. and landed in NYC. She has been working in wine since 2012 and holds WSET 2. Loves Nebbiolo and amaro. Talk to her about Italy.