Callaway Chardonnay 2001
Winemaker Notes
Callaway Cellars’ wines, Callaway Cellar Selection and premium tier winery Ely by Callaway Cellars, are galvanized by more than 40 years of California winemaking that started with Ely Callaway. Both tiers offer California’s two most popular varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, which play to the strengths that brought the state its first major acclaim.
Ely by Callaway Cellars focuses on two notable growing regions: Napa Valley and Paso Robles. Napa Valley, which boasts a Mediterranean climate, is the oldest and most prestigious growing area in the state and produces prized Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Paso Robles, California’s “Wild West “of winemaking, is known for its late-season heat suited to Cabernet Sauvignon and for cool night temperatures, resulting in ripe fruit flavors with balanced acidity across all varieties.
California’s most praised white wine, Chardonnay is also the state’s most planted white grape variety. Diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of wine styles.
Chardonnay planted in the cooler, coastal zones takes on bright characteristics like lemon zest, key lime, green apple and wet flint. For this style, look to the chilly Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands and Edna Valley.
The inland zones of California’s coast, such as the Russian River, Sonoma, Napa and Livermore Valleys maintain a more Goldilocks-esque climate where both styles go. Early picking retains acidity and creates a leaner style but leaving the grapes to hang creates an approachable Chardonnay, balancing richness and finesse.
Chardonnay also plays a major part in the sparkling wine production of the Anderson Valley and Carneros.