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2005 Fiorella Chardonnay - Russian River Valley [ $36 ]

We are pleased to introduce an all-new collection of Russian River Valley “Vineyard Select Collection” Chardonnays — the Ferrari-Carano 2005 Fiorella Chardonnay is a bright, crisp wine with orange blossom, green apple and citrus aromas. On the palate, hints of apples and lychee mingle with creamy vanilla and toasted hazelnut. This is an elegant, well-balanced wine with a slightly creamy texture and a clean finish.

Vintage Notes

The fruit for this wine comes from a single vineyard in the Russian River Valley, an area known for producing some of the world’s best Chardonnays. A mild late spring and summer ensured that the mature vines had a healthy canopy for the grapes, which provided the perfect combination of sunlight and heat penetrating the grape clusters. These conditions allowed the grapes to reach full maturity in both flavor and structure. Harvest was completed mid-October.

Winemakers Notes

The grapes for this wine were 100% whole cluster pressed, and then cold settled for 24 hours in stainless steel tanks before moving to barrels. In order to retain the desired amount of natural acidity and still add richness to the wine, the grapes underwent only 50 percent malolactic fermentation. Aged in French oak, the wine was sur lie aged and stirred every two weeks for 10 months. The resulting wine has great complexity complemented by bright acidity and a rich finish.

Appellation: Russian River Valley
Blend: 100% Whole Cluster Pressed Chardonnay
Cooperage: 100% French Oak ( 40% new Burgundian French oak,
60% older French oak)
Release Day: June 2007

Rhonda's Recipe and Pairing Notes

Scallops with Proscuitto in Orange Butter with Carmelized Fennel

Ferrari-Carano’s Fiorella Russian River Valley Chardonnay is the perfect wine to serve as an aperitif. It also pairs nicely with light pasta and seafood courses, white meats such as chicken, pork, turkey and veal. Mild-flavored cheeses are also excellent choices.

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