Hello, Wine Lover.
Join our email list to get the latest on upcoming wine releases and promotions.
Chardonnay
Test
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is very dear to Wente Vineyards. In 1912, 2nd Generation Ernest Wente persuaded his father and founder, C.H. Wente, to import Chardonnay cuttings from France to the Livermore Valley. Ernest hand-picked vines that showed the best health and pronounced flavors ultimately created the ‘Wente Clone.’ Today, over 75% of all California Chardonnay stems from the Wente Clone and the Wente Family property.
Morning Fog Chardonnay
Our Morning Fog Chardonnay is named for the morning coastal fog pushed by Pacific wind streams into the bowl of the San Francisco Bay. This daily phenomenon moderates the climate to produce excellent, beautifully balanced Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes
Our Morning Fog Chardonnay bursts with citrus and green apple aromas, complemented by hints of toasty oak and vanilla from barrel aging. Its lingering minerality and natural acidity balance it to create a beautiful wine.
Awards and Accolades Vintage 2022
- 90 pts, Best Buy Wine Enthusiast
- 90 pts James Suckling
- 92 pts Tasting Panel
Vivino Rating
- 3.9 Average Rating
- 29158 ratings
- “A well-balanced California Chardonnay, not overly oaky, with a nice buttery flavour and mouthfeel, with a hint of vanilla. Nice touches of green apple and citrus.” – Vivino User
Recipe Pairing
Pan Seared Scallops with Citrus & Shallot Butter
Seared scallops are a wonderful mild, buttery pairing with our 2022 Morning Fog Chardonnay, a wine with a citrusy aroma and notes of green apple complemented by hints of toasty oak and vanilla from barrel-aging. This wine is balanced by a lingering minerality and natural acidity that highlights the seafood’s natural sweetness. This recipe comes together quickly and will be an impressive meal for a night in or entertaining.
Taste Morning Fog Chardonnay with Fifth Generation Wine Grower Aly Wente
Riva Ranch Chardonnay
Our Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay is sourced exclusively from our Riva Ranch Vineyard in Arroyo Seco, Monterey. Arroyo Seco, where we have been growing grapes since the 1960s, is widely regarded as one of the best places in California to grow Chardonnay. The long, cool growing season with the deep, gravelly soil ripens the Chardonnay perfectly, which gives a natural balance of sugar and acidity.
Tasting Notes
The 2022 Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay has plenty of character. It is loaded with perfectly ripened apples, lemon curd, and toasted brioche, which team together to form the foundation of this deep and delightfully expressive vineyard selection. The optimally ripened fruit is complimented by a tasteful measure of slightly creamy oak that hints at notes of toasted marshmallow, along with a dollop of buttery richness that lasts well into the lengthy finish.
Awards and Accolades Vintage 2022
- 91 pts, Wine Enthusiast
- 91 pts Wine Spectator
- 94 pts Tasting Panel
Vivino Rating
- 4.0 Average Rating
- 12209 ratings
- “The oak takes the lead followed by lemon, pepper and creamy finish. The vanilla comes in the nose and the tropical taste after the first sip.” – Vivino User
Recipe Pairing
Grilled Halibut with Cauliflower Leek Puree and Wente Vineyards Chardonnay
In partnership with Janet Fletcher, Carolyn and Aly Wente share a delightful seafood and wine pairing. The best part of this recipe? Find all of the ingredients at your local farmer’s and seafood market for an delicious and effortless meal. Recommended Wine Pairing: nth DEGREE Chardonnay or Riva Ranch Chardonnay.
The First Family Of Chardonnay
Learn more about the Wente Family history and why they are considered “The First Family of Chardonnay”.