Fat Monk

Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Alcohol By Volume: 14.4%
Region: Central Coast, California
Winemaker: Dan Smith
MSRP: $14.00
Our members know that California’s Central Coast AVA produces some of the best Chardonnays, and the 2013 vintage from Fat Monk is a standout from one of the best growing seasons in a decade. The mission of Fat Monk wines is to “redefine one of life’s greatest pleasures as an everyday delight,” and their 2013 Chardonnay delivers – a must-have staple that pairs with nearly every kind of cuisine.

WINERY:

We sample hundreds of California Chardonnays to find the best for our members and have noticed a welcome trend – when winemakers focus on their vineyards’ sustainability, it also produces some of the most delicious wine. Fat Monk is one of the first vineyards in California to receive the Sustainability In Practice (SIP) Certification. SIP is a comprehensive set of standards than not only addresses environmental concerns such as high-risk pesticides, it also seeks to build community between vineyards, workers and the land. The result is a network of farmers and winemakers passionate about creating a lasting, healthy legacy.

REGION:

California’ Central Coast AVA is an ideal region for Chardonnay, benefitting from the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean. Nighttime temperatures drop by an average of 40 degrees during the region’s long growing season, allowing the grapes to develop their rich, fruit flavors throughout the warm days while preserving their natural acids during the cool nights. This phenomenon, known as diurnal temperature variation, is part of what makes Fat Monk such a balanced and refreshing Chardonnay.

TASTING NOTES:

Supple and nuanced, Fat Monk Chardonnay has an inviting nose of marzipan, straw, and lime. Its ripe character is lush with flavors of almond, honeydew and apple. Well-integrated oak nuances provide a structured and creamy mouthfeel, while the wine’s gentle acidity gives it a zesty, clean finish.