California Chardonnay
Before 1970, only a few enlightened vintners realized the potential of California Chardonnay. But the following years would see a new generation of wine lovers turn Chardonnay into an economic powerhouse.
In the late 1960s, Richard Graff observed that the best white Burgundies were grown on southwest facing, limestone soils. He purchased Chalone Vineyard because the property reproduced the conditions of Burgundy so well. His Chardonnay remains one of California’s best.
The demand for “fighting varietals” during the 1980s ensured its dominance for many years to come. However, quick success has as also been the grape’s Achilles’ heel.
It was over planted, especially in the hot Central Valley. Fortunately, this trend has slowed, if not reversed to a degree. The silver lining of the phylloxera outbreak during the early 1990s was that growers had the opportunity to replant Chardonnay in cooler locations. The recent grape glut has largely been eased through the uprooting of misguided Chardonnay plantings.
Carneros, Russian River Valley, Anderson Valley and Santa Maria Valley each produce many excellent examples of the grape. Many renowned California Chardonnays are grown in warmer climates like Napa and Sonoma Counties.
