From the Carneros region in Napa valley comes a delightful Chardonnay which
is an excellent pick as spring rolls in. This particular region of Napa valley is ideal for growing two kinds of grapes, Pinot Noir and….you guessed it, Chardonnay!
The Charles Krug Chardonnay 2013 is definitely on the top of my list!
One thing I love about this Chardonnay is it’s traditionalism. So many people are shifting to Chardonnay that is aged in primarily or all stainless steal. Every single time I see a bottle that declares the wine is ‘unoaked’ my heart dies a little and I quickly put the bottle back. Now, don’t worry if you aren’t an oak lover like I am, this particular wine isn’t overpowered by the oak.
The Charles Krug 2013 Chardonnay is light with fresh hints of lemon, citrus and some vanilla capped with a nice buttery note from the oak. It is definitely a wine that goes down easily on a nice spring day without being so easy to drink that it is unappreciated. You could pair this wonderfully with some salmon and asparagus on the grill or with a nice shrimp scampi.
For most people this wine should be easy to find in a store near you and comes in at a great price point, around $21 a bottle. Price will vary I’m sure but in my opinion anything $30 or less is a great value for this wine.
Find a bottle today, open it up and unWINEd outside as spring full arrives!
About the Winery
Originally founded in 1861 by Charles Krug, the winery is family owned and focused. From it’s original founder to the Mondavi family, who runs it today, Charles Krug winery has been a cornerstone in Napa Valley. Peter Mondavi Sr. is the current head of the winery and anyone who knows anything about this amazing 100 year old wine pioneer, knows that he has made endless contributions to the wine world. Had he not been the first to plant Chardonnay grapes in Napa Valley we may not be able to enjoy this wonderful wine!
“Now under the guidance of Peter Mondavi Sr., the Charles Krug Winery honors its roots while forging ahead to the future. From the Wild West to the twenty-first century, relatively crude beginnings gave way to the finest form of winemaking.
Founded in 1861 by Charles Krug, the 27-year old Prussian immigrant came to America with little besides willpower and a willingness to work hard to build the cornerstone of the first winery in the Napa Valley. He became the major local winery figure of his era, greatly influencing Napa Valley’s development as a world-renown wine producing region.
His leadership was said to be inspirational and his ideas innovative. Charles Krug introduced the cider press for winemaking, the first of which is still on display at the winery. He carefully selected rootstocks, varietals and vineyard sites – a novel concept in late 19th century America.
After his death in 1892, James Moffitt held the winery in proprietorship through Prohibition. By 1943, he found a pioneering spirit in Cesare Mondavi, an Italian immigrant with a passion for wine, and sold the winery to his family for $75,000.” (Quoted from the Charles Krug Website)
The Charles Krug history is captivating and inspiring, read more here.
Wine & Fit 