COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2021
GRAPE
Chardonnay
PRODUCER
Chateau Montelena
REGION
California
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Chateau Montelena, established in 1882 by Alfred L. Tubbs, is one of Napa Valley's most historic and celebrated estates. The winery is permanently enshrined in wine history for its triumph at the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, where its 1973 Chardonnay took first place against prestigious French Burgundies, shattering the myth of European wine supremacy. Today, the estate remains fiercely family-owned and independent under the leadership of Bo Barrett. Located in Calistoga, the winery sources its Chardonnay from cooler vineyard sites in southern Napa Valley to craft a wine of exceptional structure, balance, and longevity.
ALCOHOL
13.7%
AVG. PRICE
€100
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
10-12°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Chateau Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay won the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, beating top French white Burgundies in a blind tasting.
Fact 02
A bottle of the historic winning 1973 vintage is held in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution.
Fact 03
To preserve natural acidity, the winery completely blocks malolactic fermentation, avoiding the buttery style common in California.
Fact 04
The winery is fully solar-powered and holds both Napa Green Land and Napa Green Winery certifications.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking philosophy for the Napa Valley Chardonnay focuses on preserving natural acidity and pure fruit expression, drawing inspiration from classic European styles. Grapes are harvested exclusively at night to maintain cool temperatures. Fermentation takes place slowly in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Crucially, malolactic fermentation is completely blocked (0% MLF) to retain the grape's crisp malic acidity and avoid buttery flavors. The wine is aged for 10 months on its lees in French oak barrels, with only about 8% new oak, ensuring the wood complements rather than dominates the fruit.
