At the table with Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 2018
We suggest beautiful scallops sautéed in butter, roast poultry, a risotto with parmesan and mushrooms or creamy cheeses like Brillat-savarin.
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Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 2018Patz & Hall
The vines for this cuvée grow in the Russian River Valley, a prestigious terroir in Sonoma County, California. More precisely, they come from Dutton Ranch, a site renowned for its alluvial and sandy soils, perfect for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The region enjoys a cool climate influenced by the sea breeze from the Pacific Ocean, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly, thus preserving their acidity and aromatic complexity. The grapes are harvested by hand. Sorting in the vineyard is carried out immediately after picking to remove any damaged or defective bunches, ensuring optimal grape quality. After fermentation, the wine is aged for around 10 to 12 months in French oak barrels, around 30% of them new. This wine reveals notes of toasted almonds, ripe guava, ginger, yellow peach, pear, bread dough and mirabelle plum. The palate is rich and textured, yet shaped by the cool Russian River terroir, which provides the acidity the wine needs for balance. The finish is long and persistent.
Where are we traveling?
CaliforniaUnited States
While 50 American states produce wine, Californian production alone represents about 85% of the country's production, making this state the 4th largest producer in the world behind Italy, France and Spain. The climate is strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean, which at this latitude is a cold ocean. The wine regions located near the Pacific have an oceanic climate that becomes Mediterranean the further inland you move from the ocean and it becomes more continental near the Sierra Nevada. Bays and openings to the sea, such as San Pablo Bay, act as thermal regulators on viticulture, particularly in Napa and Sonoma Valley.
Sub-region: Russian River
The Russian River Valley’s wine environment is one of the most renowned in California, providing an ideal terroir for growing grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This region, located in Sonoma County, enjoys a cool, moderate Mediterranean climate, influenced by cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean. Temperatures remain cooler than other California wine regions, due to the morning mist and coastal fog that enters the valley, particularly during the summer months. The soils of the Russian River Valley are varied and rich in alluvial sediment, which allows for excellent water retention and drainage. This encourages the slow, steady development of the vines, resulting in well-balanced grapes with crisp acidity and complex flavors. The valley itself is bisected by the Russian River, which contributes to the moderation of temperatures and humidity of the region.
The little history of the country
United States
In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that boosted the California wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa region. At the start of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933 Prohibition destroyed the vast majority of the California wine industry so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained producing wine. It was only from 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition and California was primarily known for the production of fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous estates were created (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc...).
In 1976, a significant event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris". He sees the greatest French wines opposing the new American wines. This May 24, an unexpected result shakes the world of wine, since to everyone's surprise, it is the United States which wins. However, this competition remains relatively unknown to the general public.
Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. Even though California largely monopolizes the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world and the state of Washington offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.
All about Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 2018
At what temperature should Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 2018 be served?
Between 10 and 12 °C.
How long can Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 2018 be kept?
Ageing potential: 10 years or more, until at least 2028. Store the bottle lying down, away from light, at around 12 °C.
Which grapes make up Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 2018?
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay. Origin: California, United States. Alcohol: 14.5%.
What to serve with Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 2018?
Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 2018 pairs well with shellfish, soft cheese, vegetarian dishes and white meat. Our dish ideas are in the food pairing box at the top of the page.