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2020 Chardonnay, Blue Beret

When Miljenko “Mike” Grgich was studying viticulture and enology in the 1950s at the University of Zagreb in Croatia, he didn’t have much money. When he accidentally left his umbrella on a streetcar, Mike couldn’t afford a new one. But, a French beret caught his eye. It would protect his head from the rain, and it could fold up into a pocket so he wouldn’t lose it.


Retail: $ 38.00

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The Wine

This tropical, fruit-forward Chardonnay is reminiscent of fresh citrus, orange blossom, and white gooseberry followed by undertones of lime zest, dried herbs, and vanilla. This vintage has a fresh, youthful vibrancy due to its higher natural acidity and slightly lower sugar content. As the wine opens, a complex and rich mixture of bright fruit flavors emerge — citrus, white peach, melon, and star fruit — that dance harmoniously on the palate and lead to a long and balanced aftertaste. Enjoy this wine with poached salmon, roasted chicken, grilled pork, creamy cheeses, and a good story about a blue beret!

Vintage

2020 was a challenging but ultimately one of the most rewarding vintages for us. One of the hottest vintages on record with multiple heat waves well over 100 degrees, vintage 2020 was also accompanied by exceptionally low rainfall: 50-60% below average. Despite the heat and drought, our vines were well prepared for the stress. Due to low rainfall in 2020, the vines prepared themselves for drought by producing less leaves, which requires less water. The heat and drought produced exceptionally low yields but with excellent quality – great acid and freshness in white wines, and beautiful concentration and color in the reds.

Vineyard

Our Blue Beret Chardonnay thrives in our American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Pablo Bay which spills into the San Francisco Bay. The cool maritime breezes and morning fog allow the grapes to slowly ripen to develop complex flavors while maintaining a pleasing natural acidity that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas. We farm our vineyards naturally, using the principles of regenerative agriculture, and they are certified organic.

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