Chardonnay (2019)

About this wine

The 2019 Antica Napa Valley Chardonnay offers a refined experience, with vibrant acidity supporting flavors of ripe apple, pear, and white peach. Midpalate, hints of tropical fruit emerge, leading to a finish that shows savory richness. Pastry notes linger on the long, rich finish, revealing concentrated minerality and buttery nuances. This wine is crafted from grapes grown at elevations between 1,433 and 1,483 feet, contributing to its unique character.

About the grape

Chardonnay, originally from France's Burgundy region, has become a cornerstone of Napa Valley's wine industry. Its prominence surged after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where a Napa Valley Chardonnay outperformed esteemed French wines, elevating the region's global reputation. The 2019 Antica Napa Valley Chardonnay is crafted from vines planted at elevations between 1,400 and 1,800 feet, benefiting from cooler temperatures that enhance the grape's acidity and flavor complexity. The Antinori family's commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous vineyard practices, including the selection of specific Chardonnay clones and sustainable farming methods, ensuring each vintage authentically reflects the unique terroir of Napa Valley.

Quick facts

• 🏰 The Antica Napa Valley estate, where the 2019 Chardonnay is produced, is owned by the Antinori family, whose winemaking heritage spans over 600 years and 26 generations.
• 🌎 The name 'Antica' is a blend of 'Antinori' and 'California,' symbolizing the fusion of Old World tradition and New World innovation in winemaking.
• ⛰️ The 2019 Chardonnay is crafted from grapes grown at elevations between 1,433 and 1,483 feet in the Atlas Peak AVA, benefiting from cool early morning temperatures that enhance the wine's vibrant acidity and expressive flavors.
• 🌦️ The 2019 vintage was marked by abundant winter rainfall and a long, warm summer with few extreme heat events, leading to a harvest that preserved freshness and finesse in the fruit.
• 🍷 The 2019 Chardonnay underwent barrel fermentation in 100% new French oak, adding subtle and well-integrated richness to the wine's development.

Palate profile

Producer

Antica Napa Valley, established in 1985 by the Antinori family—renowned for over 600 years of winemaking in Italy—represents their venture into California's Napa Valley. Situated in the Atlas Peak AVA, the estate spans approximately 1,200 acres, with 600 acres dedicated to vineyards planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The name 'Antica' combines 'Antinori' and 'California,' symbolizing the fusion of Old World heritage with New World innovation. The winery's high-elevation vineyards, ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 feet, benefit from rocky soils and a climate conducive to producing wines of great personality and style.