Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay

The charm of California's Livermore Valley shines brightly in every bottle of Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay. The story of this illustrious wine is one of heritage, innovation, and an unparalleled winemaking flair. Sourced from the historic Wente Vineyards, Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay reflects over a century of craftsmanship and tradition. The choice to age this wine in oak enhances its full, rich mouthfeel, resulting in a tasting experience that is both refined and focused.

Wente Vineyards: Pioneers in Chardonnay

Since 1883, Wente Winery has been owned by the passionate Wente family, making it the oldest continuously operated family winery in the US. The Wente family has always adhered to a simple philosophy: combining the generosity of American wines with the elegance and finesse of European varieties. Now, under the leadership of the fourth and fifth generations, the winery remains a leader in the Chardonnay world. It was Wente Vineyards that introduced California to the splendor of Chardonnay, earning Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay a well-deserved place in the wine hall of fame.

From Vineyard to Bottle: The Journey of Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay

Exclusivity is a word that perfectly describes the Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay, which comes entirely from the Riva Ranch Vineyard in Arroyo Seco, Monterey. Arroyo Seco, a growing area where the family has cultivated their grapes since the 1960s, is a renowned location for Chardonnay cultivation in California. Here, in a cool, long-growing environment with deep, gravelly soils, the Chardonnay grapes find their perfect balance of sugar and acidity. After careful selection, 90% of these grapes undergo fermentation in oak barrels, which impart vanilla and spicy notes, while the remaining 10% is aged in stainless steel vats to preserve their fruity essence. The result, after aging for ten months? The incomparable Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay.

The Tasting Notes of Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay

A scent of ripe peach, vanilla, and butter greets us with every bottle of Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay we open. The palate is rich and diverse: yellow fruit like peach and mango, subtle hints of plum and apricot, complemented by delicate vanilla notes, buttery sweetness, and a touch of citrus. For us, Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay is more than just a wine; it's a celebration of expertise, passion, and heritage.