2024 Wente Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay

The Riva Ranch Single Vineyard Chardonnay is a beautifully rich yet balanced California-style Chardonnay that represents the best of the Arroyo Seco appellation. This wine is made from Chardonnay grapes, complemented by a touch of Gewürztraminer. To complement the rich fruity flavors, approximately 90% of this wine is fermented in barrels, with the remainder fermented in stainless steel. Along with classic Chardonnay flavors of apple and pear, Arroyo Seco consistently offers aromas and flavors of tropical and stone fruit. This Chardonnay strikes the perfect balance between tropical fruit, freshness, and the creamy notes of aging. The wine has a rich and full mouthfeel with a balanced, long finish. It pairs wonderfully with whitefish, shellfish, mushrooms, and chicken.

FACT: In the "Attachments" tab, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order it. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

ABOUT WENTE VINEYARDS

Wente Vineyards is the oldest family-owned winery in the country. Its wines are 100% sustainably grown and cultivated in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations. The winery is owned and operated by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family, known for their influence on the craft of California Chardonnay.

ABOUT ARROYO SECO

Although Arroyo Seco received official recognition as a wine designation in 1983, it was a well-kept secret in Monterey County until recently. Relatively speaking, the northern Santa Lucia Highlands region wasn't established until 1991, yet it's still widely known. Yet, Arroyo Seco fruit, once an anonymous component of Monterey County wine blends, is now a prized label designation in its own right.

Monterey Bay and Salinas Valley are the defining influences of the region. The cold Pacific air, which flows south from Monterey Bay through Salinas Valley, is both a blessing and a curse. Without this air conditioner, Arroyo Seco would be too warm for Burgundian varietals, yet the vineyards consistently produce bright, red-fruited Pinot Noir and well-balanced Chardonnay. On the other hand, growing conditions are challenging. When the colder Pacific air collides with warmer air from the south, the clash often generates afternoon gales and hail.