By Rick Riozza
Pismo Beach, with its laid back atmosphere and cleansing sea breezes, is hardly the spot I would have thought to be tasting the most delicious Chardonnay around—but it was! Indeed, it was an international Chardonnay conference with wine folk and pioneers from all over the world that famously produce this bestselling white wine.
The International Chardonnay Symposium brought top global Chardonnay producers to the classic California beach towns of Pismo Beach, Avila Beach and the near-by Edna Valley wine country for an in-depth exploration of the world’s favorite grape and its impact on viticulture, tastemakers and the market.
Last month’s line-up featured a grand wine tasting, educational seminars & panel sessions, winemaker dinners and plenty of opportunities to talk Chardonnay with industry leaders, tastemakers and fellow enthusiasts. In conjunction with The Symposium, many Central Coast wineries and businesses offered special promotions and events to complete the experience.
Unlike a typical food and wine festival, The Chardonnay Symposium’s primary purpose was to educate and inform top industry professionals, as well as devoted consumers, about current events and trends in Chardonnay production and culture around the world.
Topics and particular seminars included: Vintners Wine Tech Symposium; French Forum: Exploring The Wonders of French Chardonnay; Wente Clone ComparativeTasting; Sparkling Wine & Oysters Gala; Taste the Difference: Exploring California’s Distinct Chardonnay Regions: Hone Your Chardonnay Blind-Tasting Skills; What’s Oak Got To Do With It?; and Pairing Chardonnay & Artisanal Cheese.
These seminars along with stellar wine pairing dinners were held at various first class hotels and beach resorts that included Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, The Cliffs Resort, and the Avila Beach Golf Resort. The final day’s Grand Chardonnay Tasting was assembled on the lawn of the beautiful Greengate Ranch & Vineyard.
The Central Coast is wine country where it’s not only great fun exploring nearby wineries, but the seaside resort towns also offer winetasting rooms, pristine beaches, surfing and kayaking, hiking and biking trails, farm-to-table and seaport-inspired cuisine, boutique shopping, and more.
I realize for some of you readers, talking about these past wine events & tastings is kind of along the lines of having to hear someone go on about their fantastic fanciful dinner the night before. Unless you’re into the restaurant biz or an enthusiastic foodie—although somewhat happy for the chatty diner—what you’d really wish to say is, “Okay,—but what did you bring back for me!”
And of course I’m reporting this vino event because these are the type of experiences that wine enthusiasts will consider and actually treat themselves to—be it once a year or once in a lifetime! Enjoy the wonderful world of wine and stay informed on these great annual events. thechardonnaysymposium.com
Most of you readers already know Chardonnay is America’s bestselling white wine, but do we realize that California produces more than 20% of the varietal’s total worldwide acreage!
Originated in France’s Burgundy region, it has found a home in most major winegrowing areas worldwide, including every primary wine appellation in California. Chardonnay flavor profiles range from rich, buttery, powerful wines to lean clean unoaked styles. Winemakers love this grape because it adapts well to a variety of climates, has high yields, and, due to oak regimen, malolactic fermentation, aging and more, aromas and flavors can change greatly.
At the Symposium, we came to realize that few families have more to do with California Chardonnay than Wente—the First Family of Chardonnay. Founded by Carl Wente in Livermore Valley in 1883, Wente Vineyards was one of the first to label “California Chardonnay” in 1936!
Over a period of 40 years, second generation winemaker Ernest Wente selected Burgundy vines that showed favorable traits, great soil potential and re-planted them setting the stage for the creation of the world-renowned “Wente Clone” which has been used in most vineyards in the U.S. and is the foundation of some the most famous white wines in the New World.
As your friendly neighborhood wine steward, I personally know of the family’s commitment to producing 100% estate grown sustainably farmed wines in the Livermore Valley, (Morning Fog label) and Monterrey’s Arroyo Seco, (Riva Ranch). At the Symposium, the Wente family presented some gorgeous vertical vintages from their collection.
Winery notes of current releases: Wente Vineyards 2015 Morning Fog—“Livermore Valley Chardonnay offers crisp flavors of green apple and tropical fruit with a touch of vanilla and toasty oak. It has a nice full body and balanced acidity leading to a medium refreshing finish. “
Wente Vineyards 2014 Riva Ranch—“Chardonnay from Arroyo Seco in Monterey County is a particular favorite reflecting the terroir of this perfect Chardonnay region. You will love the tropical fruit aromas and flavors tied with great acidity and creamy notes of butter, vanilla and soft oak.”
“The Wente 2015 Small Lot Eric’s Chardonnay is from Livermore Valley, where the grapes are handpicked and sorted at harvest time in order to ensure premium quality. This unoaked Chardonnay is clear and bright with a nice balance of fruit and acidity making it refreshing by itself or with food. You will enjoy the Chardonnay fruit qualities shining through with lemon zest, green apple, citrus, pear, pineapple, and nectarine.”
These wines can be found at about every supermarket in town.
Rick is your somm-about-town conducting and entertaining at wine events, restaurant venues & tastings. Contact winespectrum @ aol.com
