Wine of the Week: Bogle 2017 Chardonnay

Wine of the Week:

2017 Chardonnay from @BogleVineyards, made in Clarksburg, California.

With a sumptuous and pronounced pear aroma and flavor , this Chardonnay is refreshing and succulent. Hints of light melon such as honeydew or even cantaloupe can be sensed with some time and air, while white peach and green vegetable notes sit alongside the more obvious pear aspects immediately. In terms of the green vegetable aspects, some might say asparagus but I definitely noted sugar snap peas. Food pairings and individual tastes will surely influence one’s perception of this almost grassy feature of the wine. Regardless, there is a suggestion of something sharp yet earthy that makes itself known beneath the juicy white fruit characteristics. Notes of dried apricot were brought out with aeration as well.

It is fairly tannic (with decent legs), dry yet lush in the mouth, and ends with both a vaguely oaky and a quenchably clean finish.

Served chilled, Bogle’s chardonnay makes for a perfect summer beverage to pair with salads, poultry or seafood inspired dishes, and other crisp and cool-toned meals. It’s delicate and a little luxurious without feeling heavy or floral. For those who prefer fruity over perfumey, this chardonnay is an ideal match.

Bogle used to use egg whites to filter their wines but have moved towards a vegan-friendly system as of 2018. According to a quote from www.Barnivore.com, all Bogle whites are vegan and while Bogle encourages consumers to contact them regarding specific vintage reds, they have not used animal products in their winemaking process for years and hope to “phase out” their non-vegan vintages. I also contacted them and the customer service team confirmed that all Bogle white wines are vegan, that they haven't used animal products recently, and that they are happy to check any specific vintage reds to identify the fining process on that wine (if asked). Bogle is certified by California Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing.

Price

Retails for $11.99 @worldmarket, bought on sale and with a discount for $6.79.

ABV

14%

Meal pairing

Vegan homemade bratwurst and sauerkraut sandwiches with a peanut thai cabbage side salad.

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Fun fact

Chardonnay originated from Burgundy, France and can come in a variety of styles. Clean and tropical or thick and oaky? It depends! This white wine is stereotypically characterized as being “buttery.” While this can occur, it all depends on the winemaking process that a particular chardonnay went through (fermentation length). Some Chardonnays will be a heavier texture with buttery and creamy aspects while others can be crisp, tart, and refreshing. The first tends to pair well with denser, grilled winter meals while the latter is arguably best served with lighter, mild summer dishes. Due to this fact, it is best to do one’s research when choosing a specific Chardonnay, so as to better suit one’s desired taste at the moment of purchase.