Schug Carneros Chardonnay

Wine information: Founded in 1980, Schug Carneros Estate Winery is the showcase and life-long dream of one of California's most celebrated winemakers. Walter Schug's reputation blossomed during his tenure as Founding Winemaker for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in the 1970s, where he made California’s first proprietary Bordeaux-Style blend (Insignia) and legendary vineyard designated Cabernets (Backus and Eisele Vineyards). Drawing on his long experience in the production of fine wines in both Europe and California, Walter set up his own winery with his wife Gertrud in the cool, marine climate of the Carneros Appellation Here he could focus on the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals that had always been close to his heart. In 1995 Sonoma-born winemaker Michael Cox came on board at Schug. Trained in Enology at UC Davis, Mike worked in several Californian wineries before he was lured from Napa Valley to Carneros - Sonoma, to work with Walter Schug as his assistant winemaker. One year later he was promoted to Winemaker and placed in charge of the day-to-day winemaking duties, where he remains today. The grapes for Schug Carneros Chardonnay are grown on the cool-climate Carneros Estate vineyard and undergo traditional European winemaking practices of barrel fermentation and aging on the lees (aged “sur-lie” for 8 months; 16% new medium toast French “Allier” oak barrels). Additional complexity was contributed by Chardonnay grown on the Sangiacomo, Ricci, Iund, Hi-Vista, and Cornerstones Vineyards.

Tasting Notes: A wine with the powerful elegance of the finest white Burgundy. It has a ripe, spicy tropical bouquet with flavors that suggest citrus, pear and apple-butter. Well-balanced acidity gives it a crisp, clean finish, making it an excellent wine with food.

Food & Wine match: Try it with cream soups, seafood, fowl, veal and pasta dishes.

Reviews: “An outstanding example of Chardonnay with its bright golden colour, clean aromas of intense acacia honey and pear fruit. It had dry taste and a remarkable body, lively acidity and refreshing mix of honeysuckle and wild yellow flower flavours. It has depth and richness at the end.” Best in Class, International Wine & Spirit Competition 2011

 
     

Enter your e-mail address and click the button to opt into the Fareham Wine Cellar mailing list: