By Pellegrini Wine Company
2018 Unoaked Chardonnay Russian River Valley

Wine Details
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Harvest Date: September 24-29, 2018
Aging: Stainless steel
Bottling Date: July 30, 2019

Tasting Notes
Our 2018 Unoaked Chardonnay embodies the extensive layers of flavors in a cooler than average vintage. On the nose, cantaloupe, tangerine, Nashi pear, and granite provide an appetizing introduction to flavors on the palate of grilled Meyer lemon, kiwi, and just nearly-ripe pineapple. The wine's voluptuous texture, clean acid, and spicy lemongrass finish round out this wine beautifully.

Vintage Notes
The Russian River Valley produced yet another spectacular vintage in 2018 - showcasing elegant and refined Chardonnays. Moderate weather with cooler temperatures led to a long growing season, allowing grapes to ripen evenly and develop deep characteristics. The season ended with warm days and cooler nights which enabled the grapes to reach their optimal brix and pH. This slow and steady harvest was a nice change from the fast-paced picks of previous vintages.

Production Notes
Our Unoaked Chardonnay grapes were hand-picked in the very early morning. The Russian River Valley's long and cool foggy mornings allow for the vineyard crew to take their time in handling this delicate fruit with great care on its way to the tank. The lot was hand-sorted, and whole-cluster pressed. With no malolactic conversion and fermented entirely in stainless steel, the intention of this wine is the preservation of the personality of pure Chardonnay.

Food Pairing Notes
Oven-roasted halibut, grilled fish tacos, clam linguini.

Technical Details
Acid: 8.0 g/L
pH: 3.10
Alcohol: 14.10%
[Information provided by Pellegrini Wine Company]

Pellegrini 2018 R.R.V. Unoaked Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
Rating: 91
Price: $30
Designation: R.R.V. Unoaked
Variety: Chardonnay
Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California, US
Winery: Pellegrini
Alcohol: 14.10%
Bottle Size: 750.00 ml
Category: White
Date Published: 12/1/2020
Reviewed by: Virginie Boone
Aged entirely in stainless steel, this white is floral in jasmine and tasty in candied lemon peel, pineapple and melon. Lifted and bright, it is both effusive and lengthy on the palate, with a rounded, fleshy finish.

Pellegrini, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Chardonnay Unoaked 2018
Price: $30
Aromas of ripe apples and pears with dusty mineral notes are fresh and inviting. In the mouth generous flavors of apple and pear are joined by juicy melon and orange. It is medium bodied with a lush roundness and crisp, citrusy acidity adding a contrasting spark of brightness. The flavors linger on the tongue. Enjoy it with a simple pasta such as Cacio e Pepe. Members of the Pellegrini family first arrived in the U.S. from Tuscany in the early [1890s]. They sold grapes for home winemakers during Prohibition and established a winery after the repeal. Over the years they invested in vineyards planting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley. Today, the winery is in the hands of fourth generation family member, Alexia Pellegrini.
Points: 90
Reviewed By: Rebecca Murphy
Review Date: Oct 6, 2020