Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2008

Wine information: After learning about winemaking from Charles Krug, C. H. Wente, a first-generation immigrant from Germany, founded his own winery in 1883. Recognizing that the warm days, cool nights and gravelly soils of the Livermore Valley were ideal for growing grapes, he purchased 48 acres and planted vineyards. In 1918, C. H. Wente’s sons Ernest and Herman joined the business, with Ernest managing the vineyards and Herman acting as winemaker. The company was later passed on to Ernest’s only son Karl, and in 1977, Karl’s young son Eric took the helm.  Continuing the over 125 year legacy, the winery is managed today by the Fourth Generation of the Wente family, Eric, Philip, Carolyn, and the Fifth Generation, Christine and Karl. Arroyo Seco is widely regarded as one of the best places in California to grow Chardonnay.  Riva Ranch is the name of the Wente family’s vineyard in Arroyo Seco, where they have been growing Chardonnay since the 1960’s. Wente Vineyards was the first California winery to produce a wine labeled as Chardonnay in 1936. Today, many of the great Chardonnay vineyards in California are planted with the Wente Clone. Riva Ranch is presently planted to three Dijon clones and two Wente clones: clone 2A which had been originally selected for it’s intense varietal character and low yield, and clone 4, a second generation Wente clone.  The cool growing season and the deep gravelly soil ripen the Chardonnay perfectly, creating a natural balance of sugar and acid. The 2008 Riva Ranch is a blend of 94% Chardonnay, 4% Pinot Blanc and 2% Gewurztraminer. It is barrel fermented in French, American, Eastern European, and neutral oak and then aged 8 months in French, American, Eastern European, and neutral oak. It is medium- bodied and has a rich, golden colour and aromas and flavors of honey, graham, cinnamon and light floral notes, balanced by subtle oak, butter and vanilla from barrel aging.  It has a round mouthfeel and a long, fruity finish.

 
     

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