This Week In Wine: Dierberg Chardonnay

The Dierberg winery is located in the Santa Maria Valley, the northern-most wine appellation in Santa Barbara County in Central California.  The Valley tends to be cool and foggy with breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean, resulting in a gentle ripening of the grapes.   Fermenting the wine in larger oak barrels – as opposed to smaller oak barriques -- enables the wood flavors to become well-integrated without becoming heavy-handed.  Dierberg Chardonnay is a perfect example of the shift in California winemaking towards a more restrained use of oak in Chardonnay.   

Flavors of golden pear, lemon custard, vanilla and warm spices.  Medium to full-bodied, ripe and creamy while maintaining a graceful acidity.  Pair with Valençay cheese, crab cakes, chicken with cream sauce or light pork dishes. 

Available retail for around $30 per bottle at: 

New Canaan Wine Merchants, 36 Pine Street, New Canaan

Greens Farms Spirit Shop, 1250 Post Road East, Westport

May also be found on the wine list at The Boathouse Restaurant in Westport