It’s summertime and the living is easy, that’s how the saying goes and it’s a good time to discover some white wines I haven’t had before. The two we are looking at today come from different California AVAs and are also different varieties. We have a Chard from Santa Barbara County and a sparkling from the Arroyo Grande Valley.
2019 Qupe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, “Y” Block
Aromas: Freshly sliced lemons, pineapple, mown grass, cheddar cheese, milk, wet concrete. Flavors: Lively fresh citrus and stone fruits, lemon zest, limeade, toasted oak, mild acidity, long finish. Classic chardonnay in style, structure and flavor. Paired with Shrimp Scampi and it served well as a palate cleanser between bites indeed.
An excerpt from the website:
HONORING THE CHUMASH
The name “qupé” was chosen to honor the Chumash, the indigenous people of the Golden State’s Central Coast and Channel Islands.
In Chumash, “qupé” refers to the poppy, a flowering plant traditionally used for food and medicine. In 1903 the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) was officially designated the state flower, and every spring masses of the bright orange blossoms still blanket local hills and back country.
Read more here https://www.qupe.com/
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Non-Vintage Laetitia Sparkling Wine, Brut Cuvee, Arroyo Grande Valley
Aromas: Pineapple, bruised yellow Delicious apple, mown grass and wet pebbles. Flavors: Sweet notes of apple, pear, Maraschino cherry, pineapple and biscuit. Enjoyed with cheese and charcuterie. An easy sipper.
An excerpt from the website:
ABOUT OUR CENTRAL COAST WINERY
Since 1982, the Laetitia Vineyard & Winery has produced elegant wines that champion the exceptional character and diversity of the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA. Originally founded by an established French Champagne house, the Laetitia estate carries on in the longstanding traditions of Burgundy and Champagne with a focus on small-lot Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. Valuing legacy, balance, innovation, and sustainable practices from harvest to glass, the Laetitia team works meticulously from vintage to vintage to ensure that every bottle of Laetitia wine is as expressive as the coastal land from which it originates.
Read more here https://www.laetitiawine.com/
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.