Who Knew They Made a Chardonnay?

Today’s Story: Gargiulo Vineyards

Back-to-back easy posts this weekend, as I previously wrote about Gargiulo in my blog post Italy’s Favorite Grape…from California? back on October 20. If you’d like some background on this small, family-owned winery and haven’t read my previous post, check it out!

I will note, however, that Gargiulo does not grow their own grapes for the wine I am reviewing today. Known for their Cabs, Gargiulo produced this somewhat “under the radar” Chardonnay with grapes from Rich Frank’s (of Frank Family Vineyards) Wood Ranch Vineyard.

Today’s Wine: 2017 Frank Wood Ranch Chardonnay

100% Chardonnay; 13.6% ABV

I haven’t found a wine from Gargiulo that I didn’t like, with this Chardonnay being no exception. Interestingly enough, I was not entirely aware Gargiulo produced a Chardonnay and this is my first time tasting the wine.

This is pale gold in color and is completely transparent in the glass. The wine blossomed right out of the gates with a nose showcasing aromas of golden pear, stone fruit, lemon zest, almond, vanilla cream, and vibrant saline minerality. Once in the mouth, I get notes of apricot, yellow apple, lemon citrus, pineapple, toast, and a touch of butter. This Chard is medium-bodied with medium (+) acidity and a medium (+) length finish ending full and round. Superb effort again by Gargiulo.

Price: $70. This is up there with the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay (~$50) and Far Niente Chardonnay (~$60) which are two of my favorites. While this is delicious, that extra $10-20 could go toward something else but I won’t try to sway you either way. Pair this with baked chicken, shellfish, or a plate of cheese, pear, and apple.