Famiglia Bianchi Chardonnay 2003
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The color of this wine, a soft yellow with a faint golden hue, is immediately attractive. Aromatically, the complexity produced by the right amount of new oak, sur lies againg, malolactic fermentation and exceptional fruit is apparent. Alluring hints of vanilla, apples, and spices in the nose lead to similiar flavors on the palate, with the addition of coconut and cloves. There is a rich, silky mouth feel, wih refreshing acid balance and a long, pleasant finish.
This wine should be served slightly chilled, with white meats, seafood and pasta in cream sauce.
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The legacy continued with Enzo Bianchi, his son, and Valentin “Tincho” Bianchi, his grandson –renowned enologists that moved forward with the founder’s work with just as much dedication until their winery was placed among the most prestigious in the country and around the world. For 80 years –and 4 generations – the values of a family who has embedded their name in Argentine winemaking have remained intact.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
With vineyards tretching along the eastern side of the Andes Mountains from Patagonia in the south to Salta in the north, Argentina is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic wine producing countries—and most important in South America.
Since the late 20th century vineyard investments, improved winery technology and a commitment to innovation have all contributed to the country’s burgeoning image as a producer of great wines at all price points. The climate here is diverse but generally continental and agreeable, with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters—a positive, as snow melt from the Andes Mountains is used heavily to irrigate vineyards. Grapes very rarely have any difficulty achieving full ripeness.
Argentina’s famous Mendoza region, responsible for more than 70% of Argentina’s wine production, is further divided into several sub-regions, with Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley most noteworthy. Red wines dominate here, especially Malbec, the country’s star variety, while Chardonnay is the most successful white.
The province of San Juan is best known for blends of Bonarda and Syrah. Torrontés is a specialty of the La Rioja and Salta regions, the latter of which is also responsible for excellent Malbecs grown at very high elevation.