Chardonnay
⏳ Drinking Window
2023 - 2026
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted chicken, creamy mushroom risotto, grilled salmon
✨ Technical Specifications
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.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1972 by Al Scheid, Scheid Vineyards is a pioneering wine estate nestled in the heart of Monterey County's Salinas Valley in California. Over five decades, the family-owned operation has expanded across twelve distinct estate vineyards, leveraging the dramatic maritime cooling of the Monterey Bay to cultivate diverse grape varieties. Committed to forward-thinking stewardship, the winery is entirely powered by renewable wind energy and follows rigorous certified sustainable farming practices. Scheid Vineyards is celebrated for its diverse portfolio of vibrant white, red, and rosé wines, producing acclaimed varietal bottlings such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Albariño, and Barbera, alongside handcrafted cuvées like the Claret Reserve.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Chardonnay
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
13.5-14.5%