La Crema works with vineyards across California, including Monterey, Sonoma Coast and the Russian River Valley. Monterey is particularly well suited to Chardonnay. The Pacific Ocean brings cool winds and fog into the vineyards, slowing ripening and helping the grapes retain freshness and acidity while developing plenty of flavour.
Their Chardonnay is fresh and inviting, with ripe citrus, white peach and tropical fruit on the nose. There’s pineapple, tangerine and papaya alongside a little citrus blossom.
The palate is rounded and generous, with flavours of white peach, melon, lemon and ripe pear. A gentle touch of oak brings a hint of spice and creaminess, while the cool Monterey climate keeps the wine bright and lively. There’s a subtle stony, mineral character on the finish that adds a little extra definition.
A very good example of Californian Chardonnay that manages to combine ripe fruit and a creamy texture with enough freshness to keep it balanced.
Food: Great with roast chicken, creamy fish dishes, crab, shellfish, grilled prawns or a simple roast vegetable and goat’s cheese tart.
