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Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay is a single-vineyard California Chardonnay sourced exclusively from the cool-climate Arroyo Seco AVA, part of the Monterey AVA. This Wente Riva Chardonnay is a rich yet balanced Arroyo Seco Chardonnay with notes of ripe peach, baked apple, citrus, vanilla and gentle spice, supported by a creamy texture and refreshing acidity. A true Californian classic with a modern, fresh soul.
Riva Ranch Chardonnay is the white wine counterpart to the estate’s Riva Ranch Pinot Noir, and both wines are available to buy online at Fareham Wine Cellar.
Barrel Fermented Chardonnay: 90% of the Riva Ranch Chardonnay is barrel fermented in new and second-use French and American oak barrels, which adds notes of vanilla, spice and a softer mouthfeel.
Stainless Steel Fermentation: The remaining 10% is stainless steel fermented, which helps to preserve the natural vibrancy of the fruit.
100% Malolactic Fermentation: Undergoes complete malolactic fermentation, enhancing the wine’s creamy texture and complexity.
Aged Sur Lie: Aged sur lie for 6 months in French and American oak barrels.
Batonnage Process: Batonnage is performed every two weeks. This adds a creamy note to the wine and enhances the texture.
There is normally a little Gewurztraminer, included in the blend, between 1% and 3%, depending on the vintage, which adds subtle floral and spice notes.
Wente Vineyards was founded by C. H. Wente, a first-generation immigrant from Germany, in 1883. Recognising that the Livermore Valley’s warm days, cool nights and gravelly soils were ideal for growing grapes, he purchased 48 acres and planted vineyards. Continuing the 125-year legacy, the winery is managed today by the Fourth Generation of the Wente family, Eric, Philip, Carolyn, and the Fifth Generation, Christine and Karl.
Arroyo Seco is widely regarded as one of the best places in California to grow Chardonnay, and Riva Ranch is the name of the Wente family’s vineyard in Arroyo Seco, where they have been growing premium Californian Chardonnay since the 1960s.
In 1936, Wente was the first California winery to produce a wine labelled as Chardonnay and today many of the great Chardonnay vineyards in California are planted with the Wente Clone.
The long, cool growing season in Arroyo Seco with the deep, gravelly soil ripens the Chardonnay grapes perfectly, giving an ideal natural balance of sugar and acidity.
The Wente Clone is one of the most influential Chardonnay clones in California. Developed and propagated by Wente Vineyards, it is estimated that around 75% of California Chardonnay vines are derived from this clone.
Wente Riva Ranch Vineyard is planted with various Chardonnay clones. Each clone brings different flavours, aromatics and textures to the blend:
Clone 2A: Selected for intense varietal character and low yield.
Clone 4: A second-generation Wente clone for balanced flavours.
Dijon Clones 95, 96, 76: Add aromatic complexity.
Old Wente Heritage Clones: Contribute rich texture and depth.
Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay is a generous and expressive wine. Sun-ripened orchard fruit takes centre stage with notes:Â think crisp apple, zesty lemon curd and warm brioche layered with a smooth, creamy oak influence that adds gentle notes of vanilla and toasted marshmallow. A streak of buttery richness runs through the palate and carries effortlessly into a long, satisfying finish. This is a wine with real depth and polish.
A perfect match for Lobster tails with clarified butter, shrimp scampi, and pasta with lemon crème and capers.
Other good pairing options included Grilled Sea Bass with Lemon Butter or Roasted Chicken with Sage.
Try with soft Cheeses and sourdough bread.
What does Riva Ranch Chardonnay taste like?
Rich and creamy with flavours of peach, vanilla and citrus balanced by fresh acidity.
Where is Arroyo Seco?
Arroyo Seco AVA is located in Monterey County, California and is known for cool-climate Chardonnay.
Is Californian Chardonnay oaky?
It can be, Riva Ranch is. Many Californian Chardonnays use oak ageing, giving flavours of vanilla, butter and toast. There are fresher styles with less oak, like Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay.
What is the Wente Chardonnay Clone?
Wente Vineyards developed the famous Wente Chardonnay Clone and it is one of the most widely planted Chardonnay clones in California. It is known for producing wines with rich texture, balanced acidity and complex fruit flavours.
What temperature should this wine be served at?
Chardonnay is best served lightly chilled, typically between 10–12°C, which helps preserve its aromas and balance.
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