Gnarly Head Chardonnay 2016
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Gnarly Head Chardonnay raises the bar for this classic varietal. This Chardonnay is a juicy, full-bodied wine that explodes with bright citrusy aromas of lemon zest, honeydew melon and just a hint of toasty oak.
Big bold flavors of citrus and apple with a touch of vanilla ensure a perfect match with a range of cuisine, including chicken curry, grilled shrimp and spaghetti carbonara.
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A pineapple-lime burst of sunshine greets the nose of this light, lithe white that’s super-summer fresh. Ginger snap and peach make up some of the standout flavors edging up against a crisp, lively acidity.
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Gnarly Head wines began with a vision and a vine. In 2004, on a mission to make a serious Zinfandel, the winemakers journeyed to Lodi in central California in search of the famed old vine Zinfandel vineyards. Grown in the head-trained, spur-pruned method for over a century, these vigorous gnarled vines produced more ripened red fruit than they had ever seen. But Zinfandel is not the only grape that can be Gnarly. Their winemakers select grapes from some of the best vineyards in Northern California to produce wines in their Gnarly house style--big and juicy.
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.