Chardonnay is a white wine grape variety which originated in eastern France, but now the popular variety is grown wherever the wine is made. Chardonnay is considered one of France’s best white wines. For regions just developing, growing the variety means easy access into the wine market, and is considered a “rite of passage.” Chardonnay grapes are a mild flavored grape that, depending on the way it is created, can produce flavors of oak, tropical fruits, and nutty flavors. Chardonnay is popular when blended into wines such as Champagne, and is one of the most planted grape varieties in the world. The wine grew in popularity, especially in the 1980s, and has been closely related with Pinot blanc. In the 1990s, Chardonnay was the typical drink for young women. As popularity grew, vineyards started planting more of the variety, however, when times and trends altered, more people started drinking red wine instead. DNA research shows that Chardonnay is a mix between Pinot and Gouais Blanc grape from France, which is said to have been brought by the Romans from Croatia. Chardonnay is one of three major varieties founded in Champagne, and is the most common variety in Aube and Marne.
River Road Ranch is a 115-acre jewel in the heart of the Russian River Valley AVA. Chardonnay vines thrive in well-drained soils, shrouded with fog cooled nights, ideal growing conditions. The grapes for this wine came from two blocks of twelve and fifteen-year-old vines, planted with clones #4, 95, and 2A-Wente.
Bottled poetry is the description of Trione Chardonnay. Burgundian in style of both nose and palate. Rich and inviting, this wine offers a complex mix of toasty baguette, warm melted brie; silky but with the structure demonstrating the aging potential. The wine is tasting great now but will be awesome for the next 5-7 years.
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
The House of Trouillard has incredible holdings on the Côtes de Blancs. The vineyard's rating average 94-95, just one of the reasons the Blanc de Blancs has such incredible raciness and elegance. It is a Cuvée of eleven different Crus in the Reims Mountain, the Côtes de Blancs and the Sézannaise region and is the specialty of the house.
Trouillard Blanc de Blancs Brut NV is made of 100% Chardonnay with a green-gold color, characteristic of Chardonnay, and with fine persistent bubbles. This wine has an aroma that jumps out of the glass and is very inviting. On the nose there are seductive scents of warm almond croissant and honey, lightened by some floral notes. Crisp and refreshing in the mouth and lively with a very refined fruitiness and a touch of smokiness typical of wines from the Côtes des Blancs. The elegance and subtlety of the Chardonnay are to be especially appreciated as an aperitif, and nicely accompanies shellfish and fish.
It has become the favorite of those who know Champagne Trouillard.
Reviews:
"A blend of grapes from the Aube and the Marne Valley, this ripe wine shows the structure of Pinot Noir. The fruit's richness balances the low dosage to give an almost bone-dry wine that is full, fruity and that could age further in bottle. - ROGER VOSS"
- Wine Enthusiast (December 2019), 91 pts
"Aromatic, offering ripe fruit and yeast notes, this is backed by firm acidity, with a lively bead and flavors of Golden Delicious apple, white peach, ginger and whole-grain toast. Drink now through 2018. 2,500 cases made. –AN"
Wine Spectator (Web Only 2013), 90 pts
- Chardonnay du Monde 2012, SILVER MEDAL
This all Chardonnay Champagne is sourced from eleven different crus. It offers a fragrant bouquet of orchard fruit with hints of toasted grain and lemon zest. On the palate, there’s good textural richness and attractive apple and pear complemented by a smoky mineral note. But what we like most about this Blanc de Blancs is its outstanding sense of freshness. 100% Chardonnay aged 2+ years on the lees; 7-8 g/L RS" - - I-WineReview (Champagne: Diversity and Change, January 2020), 91 pts
Trouillard Brut Extra Selection NV is selected from 15 different vineyards located in the Marne Valley, in the Aube and the small Mountain of Reims.
Trouillard Brut Extra Selection NV is made of 35% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay.
With a light amber color with fine bubbles, full-bodied with a full mixture of white fruits. Dominating taste of hazelnuts and grilled almonds. This crisp, delicate, fresh, creamy and elegant champagne, with just a touch of yeastiness, is sure to enhance any special occasion or meal. A very classic and delicate Brut.
Review:
"Medium gold color with a rich, seductive nose of roasted grains. Shows an elegant attack and a very fine, rich mousse. Finishes very dry but long. Dried lemon peel and toasted bread are evident on the richly textured palate with notable mineral character. Finishes very dry and long."
International Wine Review 92 pts
Guide Michelin 2013, **
Selected from 15 different vineyards located in the Marne Valley, in the Aube and the small Mountain of Reims. It is made of 35% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay.
With a light amber color with fine bubbles, full-bodied with a full mixture of white fruits. Dominating taste of hazelnuts and grilled almonds. This crisp, delicate, fresh, creamy and elegant champagne, with just a touch of yeastiness, is sure to enhance any special occasion or meal. A very classic and delicate Brut.
Guide Michelin 2013, **
Review:
"Medium gold color with a rich, seductive nose of roasted grains. Shows an elegant attack and a very fine, rich mousse. Finishes very dry but long. Dried lemon peel and toasted bread are evident on the richly textured palate with notable mineral character. Finishes very dry and long."
International Wine Review (Dec 08), 92 pts
Trouillard Comte Decrion Brut is made from 50% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay.
The Comte Decrion is clear gold in color, offering fine and attractive bubbles. Elegant and fruit-diven. Supple, ample and well-balanced with good length and freshness.
This Champagne is ideal as an aperitif and throughout the meal.
Review:
Straw green color. Aromas and flavors of peach jam on toast, lemon marmalade, and praline with a supple, vibrant, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a sleek, appealing, medium-long finish that shows accents of creme brulee and spiced citrus salad. A nutty, juicy, vanilla-kissed Champagne that is sure to please.
-Tastings.com 93 Points
Échezeaux is loyal to its appellation through the finesse of its attack on the palate and its overall balance. But it's also a wine with pronounced acidity, which gives it freshness and structure and bestows upon it a sometimes austere finish.
The grapes for this wine come from a small parcel of 6 acres in the village of Puligny-Montrachet, resulting in wines of exceptional quality. The same viticulture and vinification methods are applied for all the wines from the Domaine.
The wine offers an expressive nose of white flowers, stone fruits and buttered bread notes. The mouth is mineral and elegant, and delicate toasty nuances bring extra length in the mouth alongside a fresh acidity and a good balance.
Pair with veal Stew, Grilled Salmon, Epoisse cheese