Riva Ranch

Arroyo Seco Chardonnay

The Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay from Arroyo Seco is a beautifully crafted white wine that embodies a harmonious balance of body, acidity, fruit intensity, tannins, and dryness. This Chardonnay showcases a medium-full body with a perfect level of acidity that provides a refreshing and lively character. The fruit intensity is prominent, offering flavors of ripe orchard fruits and citrus notes that are elegantly integrated. The subtle oak influence adds complexity and depth to the wine, enhancing its overall structure. The dry finish makes it a versatile pairing for a wide range of dishes, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

Tasting notes:

Vanilla

Apple Pie

Butter

Flavor profile:

Acidity Medium

Low Pronounced

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Pairs well with:

Sole, Ceviche, Lemon Butter Scallops

Region:

Arroyo Seco

Lying in the middle of the Salinas Valley, the under-appreciated Arroyo Seco AVA is a beacon of cool-climate winemaking in Monterey County. Its vineyards—especially those to the east—are buffeted for much of the day by cold Pacific winds and shrouded by fog. This combines to give Arroyo Seco an extremely long growing season. Soils throughout the AVA are stony, and these stones absorb sunlight to provide additional heat to the vines. While winemakers face a challenging growing environment, the effort is worth it, as the area produces superbly balanced Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling; intriguing Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon perform well in the western part of the AVA.

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