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2022 Chardonnay, Blue Beret

2022 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: $ 40.00

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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

The 2022 growing season was yet another in a string of drought years. Though our yearly rainfall was only slightly lower than average, the bulk of that rain came in October and December of 2021, while the spring of 2022 was uncharacteristically dry and gave way to a seasonably dry summer. This was followed by an intense heat wave during the first week of September, with temperatures soaring as high as 118 degrees Fahrenheit, causing a dramatic increase in our grape’s sugar levels. We were patient with our harvest, however, and allowed cooler temperatures and normal sugar levels to return before picking.

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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