Chardonnay, 2018. Paul Lorry

Our selection is made by the San Joaquin Wine Company from grapes grown by no less than a California winery that can only be described as royalty, the Wente Family. The winery was founded in 1883 and stands as the oldest continuously operating winery in the United States. They established the Arroyo Seco appellation in Monterey, now considered one of the finest growing areas for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Wente was one of the first to introduce sustainable farming back in the 1960s. With five generations to brag, they have always produced outstanding wines at more than reasonable prices. For a time, their Blanc de Blanc was the largest selling white wine in the US. Steve and Cindy Schafer founded the San Joaquin Wine Company in 2000. Steve's family had been successful grape growers in Madera for over 40 years. Since its founding, Steve has been involved in the California Association of Grape Growers and a spearhead in the promotion of sustainable farming. Madera is home to many fine wineries who make many fine wines, but Chardonnay isn't one of them. That's why the Schafer's had to go outside of their area to a suitable location for Chardonnay. Arroyo Seco couldn't be more perfect.

Here, the proximity to the ocean and the mountainous soil is just what is needed to grow great Chardonnay. The light barrel aging preserves the nuanced flavors and textures in the wine and produce a lovely offering with a keen grip. Try with fillet of sole almandine or a shrimp cocktail.

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