Nuits-Blanches au Bouge Chardonnay
⏳ Drinking Window
2023 - 2031
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted chicken with tarragon butter, seared sea scallops, creamy mushroom risotto
✨ Technical Specifications
The 'Nuits-Blanches au Bouge' Chardonnay is a legendary cuvée from Au Bon Climat, born from the late Jim Clendenen's playful wit and his deep reverence for Burgundy. The name, translating to 'Sleepless Nights at the Bouge' (a nod to late-night harvest revelry and a humorous play on Burgundy's Côte de Nuits), reflects the tireless passion poured into this reserve-style bottling. Sourced primarily from the old-vines of the historic Bien Nacido Vineyard and Le Bon Climat Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, this wine represents the richer, more opulent side of Au Bon Climat's portfolio. It is fermented and aged in 100% new François Frères French oak barrels for up to 18 months, undergoing full malolactic fermentation. This extended barrel program imparts a luxurious texture, seamlessly integrated with vibrant cool-climate acidity and a distinct mineral backbone.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1982 by the visionary late winemaker Jim Clendenen and Adam Tolmach, Au Bon Climat is situated in the cool-climate expanse of the Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County, California. Operating out of the acclaimed Bien Nacido Vineyard, the winery forged an international reputation by championing restraint, balance, and classical Burgundian traditions long before cool-climate California viticulture entered the mainstream. Driven by early harvesting, indigenous fermentations, and meticulous French oak aging, Au Bon Climat crafts structured, age-worthy wines distinguished by high natural acidity and moderate alcohol levels. The estate is celebrated globally for its expressive site-specific and reserve bottlings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, including iconic signature labels such as Knox Alexander, Isabelle, and Nuits-Blanches au Bouge.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Chardonnay
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
13.5-14%