Chardonnay
Chardonnay found another region outside of France where it could produce a style of wine that was complex and noteworthy while being distinctive in style: California.
Several wine regions in California offer favorable conditions for production of premium quality Chardonnay. The presence of coastal fog allows a slower ripening process and longer opportunity for flavor development.
Cooler regions such as Alexander Valley, Los Carneros, Santa Maria Valley, Russian River Valley have shown success in producing wines that reflect a stronger resemblance to Burgundy while other regions often associated with Chardonnay include Napa Valley, Monterey County and Santa Barbara County show a fuller bodied new world style of Chardonnay.
The exact style of the wine will vary from producer to producer however some of the more common terroir characteristics associated with California Chardonnay include flinty, smokey notes with fruit aromas leaning towards pineapple and green apple.
