Tasting Notes
Schug is a wine business with roots in the German wine industry. Walter Schug hails from Rheingau and specialised in Pinot Noir before leaving for America in 1961. He brought his flair for producing elegant wines to California, building up experience working for other estates until setting up his own, Schug Estates. He has been joined in the business by member of the next two generations of his family.
Schug likes cool climate regions like Sonoma Coast. The cold Pacific Ocean influences the climate and means an extended growing season and that helps flavours develop and reduces alcohol levels.
You would be forgiven for thinking this Chardonnay was European as it is not produced in a heavy, tropical fruit style as some US Chardonnays are. This is intentional as Schug Estates is proud of its German heritage. I therefore classify this Chardonnay as a crisp light white wine.
The wine has aromas and flavours of apples & pears with a hint of peach; it's so light for a Californian wine and somehow combines a light body and a creamy texture. The creaminess is also balanced by refreshing acidity preventing the wine from being too heavy or rich. In fact it's really a very elegant style with a long finish.
Food Pairing
Like many Chardonnays this wine will work well with richer dishes such as foie gras, chicken, ham, pork or veal in creamy sauces, parmesan cheese, mushrooms and truffles. But it is light enough not to overpower lighter dishes such as fish, seafood and chicken. The producer suggests trying it "with aged cheeses such as Gouda or Manchego, or with delicate seafood dishes, soups and pastas."
Producer's Notes
"Our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is produced with the minimal use of new oak, to allow the bright varietal character to shine through. It was harvested from select vineyards located in the Sonoma Coast appellation, including the cooler microclimates of western Carneros, southern Sonoma Valley and the Petaluma Gap. It has a spicy apple aroma with hints of nutmeg and cream. Silky textured, it has delicate flavors of fresh fennel, pear and ripe apple."
Awards
89 points Wine Spectator Jun 2019 "Svelte and finely textured, with flavors of dried apple, pineapple and pear that are well-structured. Notes of roasted pine nut emerge on the spicy finish."
