2018 Simi Chardonnay Sonoma County
California
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One of my favorite aspects of wine are the stories that tie the wines we drink today to the pioneering spirit of the winemakers of the past. Today’s Simi Chardonnay from Sonoma County has a rich legacy that began over one hundred years ago and is still significant in the wine scene today.
Simi is a 140+ year old winery started by two Italian brothers from Tuscany, Giuseppe & Pietro, after making their way to California to find their fortune in gold. Finding there was a lack of proper wine in the area, the Simi brothers produced their first wines under their surname in 1876. In 1890 they built a stone cellar in Healdsburg that is now the site of the present day Simi winery.
Tragically, in 1904, both of the brothers died, leaving the winery and cellar management to Giuseppe’s 18 year old daughter, Isabelle. Guiding the winery through the years including world wars, The Great Depression and most significantly, Prohibition, Isabelle endured these difficult times but all the while growing the Simi brand. During Prohibition, she sold off the vineyard holdings in order to keep her cellared wine stocks. Once the Volsted Act was repealed in 1933, she had 500,000 cases of perfectly cellared wine to quench the repressed thirst for wine.
She established a tasting room and retail outlets that has sustained the Simi brand throughout the decades. Isabelle retired in 1970, but her legacy endures as the Simi winery continues to expand their vineyard holdings throughout the Sonoma County in order to continue their commitment of producing high-quality wine.
Simi sources the fruit for the Sonoma County Chardonnay from top quality fruit from Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and Carneros American Viticultural Areas (AVA). Located at the southwestern end of Sonoma County, these regions are among California’s coolest and foggiest wine-growing region. The fog rolls up off of the San Pablo Bay through the Petaluma gap, creating a climate is significantly cooler which allows for a longer growing season that produces more complex and balanced wine grapes. This creates an ideal climatic situation that is preferred for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Chardonnay is a blank canvas when it comes to vinification. There is a debate amongst Chardonnay enthusiasts that separate this beloved varietal into two camps according to the style. On one end, you have the ‘New World’ Style that uses malolactic fermentation that provides the creamy, buttery mouthfeel that is accented by tropical fruit, oak aging and an overall opulent experience. On the other side of the spectrum, the ‘Old World’ style is a more linear, vibrant and orchard fruit expression that is experienced in the Chardonnays of Burgundy.
The Simi Chardonnay lands almost exactly in the middle of these two styles for a Chardonnay that will please a wide range of taste bud preferences and also pair well with a survey of cuisine.
Brilliantly clear, light yellow straw. Vibrant notes of pear, green apple and orange zest accented by soft hints of cream and toast. Lively on the palate with peach, pear, lemon and pineapple flavors, highlighted with warm spice notes and caramel cream.
Sip Sonoma history and find your new favorite Chardonnay!
Cin Cin!
Jill