Wines Edna Valley Tolosa Winery - Chardonnay 1772 Edna Ranch - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Tolosa Winery's 2019 Cuvée Chardonnay 1772 Edna Ranch is an expressive white wine that beautifully encapsulates the distinctive qualities of the Edna Valley AVA in California. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this cuvée is the result of meticulous vineyard management and careful selection from the Edna Ranch estate parcels. The 2019 vintage benefited from a long growing season with cool maritime breezes, preserving freshness and promoting nuanced ripening. The vinification process typically involves partial barrel fermentation, often in French oak, allowing for both creamy texture and vibrant fruit expression, while malolactic fermentation may be used judiciously to enhance complexity without overwhelming the Chardonnay's signature citrus and stone fruit character.

Edna Valley, located within California’s Central Coast, is renowned for its cool-climate viticulture. Benefiting from a transverse orientation that channels Pacific Ocean breezes directly inland, the valley stays significantly cooler than many other Californian wine regions. This unique microclimate extends the grape ripening period, resulting in wines with bright acidity, balanced alcohol, and nuanced aromatic profiles. The soils here are predominantly clay-loam with volcanic influences, imparting a subtle mineral undertone to the wines. With viticulture dating back to Spanish Mission times, Edna Valley has become celebrated for producing some of the state's most elegant and vibrant Chardonnays.

Given its vibrant acidity and balanced oak integration, the Tolosa Chardonnay pairs exquisitely with a variety of dishes. Classic partners include grilled sea bass, lobster in a light butter sauce, or roast chicken with herbs. For a regional twist, you might try it with Dungeness crab or fresh shrimp tacos, both popular along California’s coast. Creamy risottos or roasted root vegetables also make for intriguing matches, allowing the wine’s subtle minerality and bright fruit to shine.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Chardonnay chilled but not too cold, ideally around 10-12°C. Allow it a brief moment to breathe in the glass, encouraging the development of toasty oak notes, ripe citrus, and hints of white peach. This careful approach will ensure you experience the full spectrum of aromas and the balanced, lingering finish that distinguishes Edna Valley Chardonnays.