Vintage: 2012
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Monterey
Alcohol %: 13.5
I first came to love Chardonnay many years ago when I fell in love with French Burgundy. I was born in France so I think itis in my blood! I loved it so much that when Frank and I welcomed a dog into our home, we named our little bichon frise Chardonnay, along with her partner, Chablis. Over the years, though, my love affair with Chardonnay (the wine, not thedog) waned. I felt that the California version of this classic varietal too often veered into the over-oaked and over-seasoned territory. I want a wine that I can drink on its own or set down on the table and enjoy WITH food, not compete AGAINST food. So when I decided to partner with the Scheid family, our goal was to craft a wine with poise, one that allowed the truevarietal character of the Chardonnay grape to shine. Gifft Chardonnay is that wine.
Kathie Lee Gifford
Our 2012 vintage of Gifft Chardonnay exhibits richness, depth and complexity, balanced by a lively acidity and an essential freshness. Featuring the gorgeous tropical fruit flavors that are the hallmark of Monterey Chardonnays, Gifft Chardonnay strikes the ideal balance between rich and refreshing.
Our 2012 Chardonnay is 100% estate grown and hails from the Scheid family’s vineyards in Monterey County. The Monterey growing region is a slice of Chardonnay heaven, with evening coastal fogs that often linger until mid-morning the following day. This natural cooling effect causes a unique lengthening of the growing season, something that winemakers call “hang time”. Increased hang time leads to more intense flavor development and an enhanced richness of the fruit.
–Gifft Winery