Wines Unspecified Meiomi - Chardonnay - 2023

Meiomi Chardonnay 2023 is a Californian white wine crafted with great attention to detail. This cuvée is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, sourced from various AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) across California, which allows for a complex and nuanced blend. The 2023 vintage is noted for its freshness and vibrancy, benefiting from a long, cool growing season that preserved the grape’s natural acidity. Meiomi is known for its modern approach to winemaking, often blending fruit from coastal sites to achieve a harmonious balance between richness and elegance. The wine typically undergoes partial oak ageing and some malolactic fermentation, which imparts subtle vanilla and buttery notes while maintaining crisp fruit character, showcasing ripe apple, pear, citrus, and a touch of pineapple.

California’s AVAs are among the most renowned in the New World, spanning diverse microclimates and soils. The influence of the Pacific Ocean, with its cooling fogs and breezes, is key to the region’s signature balance in white wines – preserving acidity while promoting slow, even ripening of the grapes. Soils vary from sandy loam to clay and gravel, contributing to the depth and minerality often found in Californian Chardonnays. California has a rich wine heritage dating back to the nineteenth century, and today’s winemakers blend tradition and innovation to craft expressive wines that appeal to a wide audience.

This style of Chardonnay is remarkably versatile with food. Its creamy texture and ripe fruit make it an excellent companion to grilled chicken, roast pork with apples, or creamy seafood dishes such as lobster thermidor or scallops in beurre blanc sauce. For a regional twist, pair with Californian-inspired cuisine, such as Dungeness crab cakes or a fresh avocado salad.

Serve this wine well-chilled, but not too cold – ideally between 10-12°C. This temperature range will allow the wine’s nuance and aromatic complexity to shine, while still retaining its refreshing, lively edge. Decanting is unnecessary, but let the wine breathe in the glass for a few minutes to fully appreciate its layered personality. Enjoy over the next two to three years for optimal freshness.