Chardonnay from the Livermore Valley
When you think of Livermore, California, what comes to mind? High-tech atom-smashing laboratories? Quantum physics? Microcircuits? Wine? If you picked the last choice, you’re in luck, because there is always a Livermore Valley wine just around the corner at Fry’s and other wine shops.
Livermore’s Wente Vineyards’ 2009 “Morning Fog” Chardonnay, ($14.99 at Fry’s) possesses a unique flavor combination that sets it apart from dozens of others that are lined up on the shelf. The typical Chardonnay green apple flavor has been replaced with a ripe apple flavor and the toasted oak flavor has been enhanced with a hint of graham crackers! The result is a very pleasing Chardonnay that is quite enjoyable and is sure to satisfy what your guests expect in a good white wine.
Its finish has a very well balanced apple acidity, and low alcohol. This makes it smooth, but not too oaky. Because so many people object to over-oaked Chardonnays, this wine provides an excellent example of how a skilled winemaker can listen to customer input and come up with a well-rounded set of flavors. This is also helped along by the perfect growing conditions in the Livermore Valley with its incredible centering of bay-area cool and California inland valley dry climates.
Morning Fog Chardonnay goes surprisingly well with chips and salsa or crispy fried chicken. It can be served after 40 minutes in the fridge (50-60 degrees). Because of its smooth tasting characteristics, it’s fine to drink closer to room temperature. It’s great for your next informal gathering or just pondering the Cosmos.
Article by Tom Peiffer, Phoenix Wine Shopping Examiner at Examiner.com
View more of Tom’s articles on Examiner.com by visiting his writer’s page.
About the Author - Tom Peiffer
Tom has been an avid wine consumer and collector for over 20 years. This pastime has taken he and his family on many visits to wine growing regions, including Arizona. During these excursions, with the accompanying tastings and lectures, it became clear that there is no "magic bullet" wine. For each wine contains its own character, strong points, and weaknesses. Sharing these experiences to help anyone purchase locally available wines is his goal.
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