Chardonnay
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed within 1–5 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted chicken, creamy mushroom risotto, grilled salmon
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Scheid Vineyards' estate Chardonnay is a beautiful expression of Monterey County's unique cool-climate terroir. The Salinas Valley is defined by its proximity to the deep waters of Monterey Bay, which generate a daily cycle of morning fog and strong afternoon winds. This natural 'air conditioner' prolongs the growing season, allowing the Chardonnay grapes to develop intense tropical and citrus fruit flavors while retaining a brilliant, natural acidity. Historically, early California settlers overlooked the Salinas Valley for grape growing, labeling it too cold and windy. However, pioneers like Al Scheid recognized the potential of these microclimates in the early 1970s. This Chardonnay is typically crafted using a blend of stainless steel fermentation to preserve crisp fruit purity, and French oak barrel aging with partial malolactic fermentation to introduce a subtle creaminess, vanilla, and toasted brioche complexity.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 1972 by Al Scheid, Scheid Vineyards is a pioneer of winegrowing in California's Monterey County, operating family-owned estate vineyards that span a diverse 70-mile corridor along the Salinas Valley. Today, under the guidance of the Scheid family, the winery is globally recognized for its commitment to environmental stewardship, with its state-of-the-art estate winery in Greenfield being 100% powered by wind energy. Utilizing these diverse microclimates, Scheid crafts an impressive portfolio of estate-grown wines, ranging from elegant cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to robust, structured reds like their signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon Appassimento, and Claret Reserve. Address: 1972 Hobson Ave, Greenfield, CA 93927, United States. Website: https://www.scheidvineyards.com