Winemaker Notes
The 2021 vintage of Matchbook Chardonnay blends the six clones grown in the Matchbook estate vineyards. The diversity of clones grown on various vineyard sites contributes layers of complex flavors. The color is classic California golden straw. The flavors are dominated by the tropical notes that have become a signature of their Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay: pineapple, mango, and melon. 60% malolactic fermentation adds a creamy texture and a touch of butterscotch; oak aging adds the note of vanilla. The dash of Verdejo brightens the wine with a lift of minerality. This delicious Chardonnay has a satisfyingly plump mouthfeel balanced by the crisp, fresh fruit that lingers in the finish.
Pair this easy-drinking Chardonnay with buttery scallops, grilled chicken, or pasta with a cream sauce.
Blend: 96% Chardonnay, 4% Verdejo
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.
Mitigated by mild Sacramento River Delta breezes, the Dunnigan Hills appellation is in the northwest portion of Yolo County and has a Mediterranean climate.