Seven Heavenly Chardonnay
November 21, 2010
Facts
Whilst not certified organic, the winemaking brothers Michael and David Philips do everything they can to use all natural methods in the production of this wine.
Seven Heavenly Chardonnay is positioned as a sister-wine to the Seven Deadly Zins which the Michael David Winery also produces.
The Chardonnay grape is indigenous to the Burgundy region of France, where it’s still the primary white grape today, i.e. if someone ever utters the words “White Burgundy”, there is a 99.9% chance they are talking about Chardonnay.
Chardonnay is also one of the three principal grapes grown in France’s Champagne region, along with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
The Seven Heavenly Chardonnay spends 14 months in oak barrels before it is bottled to add a level of richness and complexity.
Place
Zinfandel, Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay didn’t always use to be the dominant grapes in Lodi. During the late 1800’s the relatively obscure Tokay grape was the most widely planted grape in the region, although it is very rarely seen today. Tokay had the added advantage that it held up during the long rail trip across country to the eastern States, and it could also be distilled into brandy, or fortified into ports and sherries.
Prohibition in 1919 came as a big threat to grape growers in the Lodi region. Unfortunately a few wineries did have to close, and some actually tore up their vines. In an unusual twist, Prohibition actually just changed the business model from making wine to shipping grapes, as home winemaking was still permitted. Unbelievably the demand for grapes actually increased during Prohibition throughout the Lodi region!
The annual Lodi grape harvest is estimated at approximately 600,000 tons of grapes and valued valued at over $300 million.
Lodi produces over 20% of California’s total wine grape production. This is more than Napa and Sonoma combined!
Taste
Big and rich tropical fruits dominate with pineapple and banana. Caramelized green apple, butter and shows a vanilla bean custard-type quality. The oak stays fairly well in check, considering its time spent in barrel.
Pairing
Another Michael-David wine that can stand up perfectly by itself, but if you are looking to pair it with food try white sauce pastas, lobster mac and cheese, chicken or fish with cream sauces, candied lemon, and even Thanksgiving dinner!
Price
Recommended retail is a recession-friendly $16.99, especially for this level of quality!
