Buoncristiani Chardonnay

Buoncristiani Chardonnay 2019 is a Napa Valley white from California, made by the Buoncristiani family after years spent finding the right vineyard blocks. It aged 10 months on its lees in barrel. The wine puts fruit, minerality and crisp acidity first, with new French oak in the background, a full mid-palate and a lingering finish. Serve it lightly chilled with roast chicken or lobster. Delivered across Ontario.

The producer

The Buoncristiani brothers founded their family winery in Napa Valley in 1999 and do everything themselves, from vineyard and cellar to the label art, with Jay Buoncristiani as winemaker. They searched for several years before settling on the right source for their Chardonnay.

The vineyards

The fruit comes from the Hyde and Stagecoach vineyards in Napa Valley.

How it's made

Picked by hand in the cold early morning and gently pressed as whole clusters. It ferments slowly with native and selected yeasts in French oak barrels and small steel drums, with weekly lees stirring and only partial malolactic fermentation, then ages 10 months on its lees in barrel.

How it tastes

Fruit, minerality and crisp acidity lead, with integrated new French oak adding a richer layer. The mid-palate is full and the finish lingers, balancing richness with bright, intense fruit.

How to serve it

Pair with roast chicken, lobster or creamy pasta. Serve lightly chilled, at 10 to 12°C.