description Kongsgaard Chardonnay Overview
Kongsgaard Chardonnay represents a distinctive expression of Napa Valley Chardonnay. Produced by John Kongsgaard since 1996, this wine utilizes grapes grown on hillside vineyards for concentrated flavor. A minimalist approach, including extended contact with its lees, contributes to the wine’s complex texture and aging potential. It is appreciated by discerning wine drinkers seeking nuanced white wines from California.
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Who founded the Kongsgaard winery?
Kongsgaard is a prestigious California winery founded by John Kongsgaard and his son in 1996. Prior to starting his own label, John Kongsgaard was a highly influential winemaker for notable estates like Newton Vineyard.
Where does Kongsgaard source the grapes for its Chardonnay?
The wine is notable for its mountain-grown fruit, sourced from the family's estate vineyard situated high in the Vaca Mountains of Napa Valley. This high-elevation site provides cool temperatures and rocky soils that stress the vines and produce intensely flavored grapes.
What is the winemaking process for Kongsgaard Chardonnay?
The wine is crafted using a minimalist, extended lees-aging process, often spending more than a year in French oak barrels without racking. It is fermented using natural, wild yeasts and undergoes full malolactic fermentation to create a rich, complex texture.
What does Kongsgaard Chardonnay taste like?
Unlike mass-produced, heavily oaked California Chardonnays, Kongsgaard focuses on tension, savory minerality, and pure fruit flavors. The extended lees aging imparts creamy notes of hazelnut and brioche, balanced by a vibrant, mouth-watering acidity.
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