May 20, 2016

JORDAN Chardonnay 2014

(Russian River Valley, California) $32

Jordan chardonnay has become a California classic. And like all classics, it sometimes gets overlooked. But it shouldn’t. Tasting this 2014, I was reminded of the wine’s beauty and subtlety. In an era when so many chardonnays can be overwrought, over-oaked, overworked and overripe, Jordan is just the opposite. A wine of quiet, confident deliciousness.

90 points

Available at Jordan Winery

Rosé Champagnes must be made from one or both of Champagne’s two red grapes—Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Answer: False.

A rosé Champagne needn’t be made mostly from red grapes; in fact, many aren’t. The blend of base wines might be 80 percent Pinot Noir and 20 percent Chardonnay—or just the opposite, 80 percent Chardonnay and only 20 percent Pinot Noir. A rosé can be made either way because only a small amount of red wine is needed to achieve the pinkish color.

But when you drink them, the two rosés make will be very different. Pinot-dominant rosé Champagnes are often a bit fuller in body, with a rich fruit character. Chardonnay-dominant rosé Champagnes are often lighter, more crisp, and some would say more elegant. Among the rosé Champagnes we love are those made by Marc Hébrart, Charles Heidsieck, Gaston Chiquet, Drappier, and Gatinois.

Saignée

The term saignée means “bled” in French and refers to the process of making rosé by bleeding or drawing off pink-colored juice from fermenting red grapes. This process also results in concentrating the remaining red… Continue reading

JORDAN Chardonnay 2014

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