Gloria Ferrer

Owners of Freixenet U.S.A., the world’s largest producer of sparkling wine, the Ferrer family also own 385 acres of prime vineyard land in cool climate Carneros. Here they produce a high quality line of sparkling wines that take their rightful place alongside the best of California bubblies (the Gloria Ferrer Vintage Royal Cuvee is a perennial favorite), along with still wines including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah. Bob Iantosca is winemaker and Mike Crumly is the vineyard manager. Both have been at the winery for almost twenty years.

Bright yellow with golden highlights, this classic Carneros Chardonnay has notes of apple, pear, brioche, cinnamon, vanilla, and toasted oak on the nose. Fat, round, and creamy on the palate with lots of fruit, vanilla, and butter, it is very well balanced. Rich oak tannins create a slight drying on the finish, but juicy acidity gives a mouthwatering sensation at the same time. Enjoy as a cocktail with handfuls of roasted and spiced Marcona almonds, with sesame crackers and gruyere, or with Trader Joe’s unsalted corn tortilla chips and caramelized onion dip.

Note: This wine was also selected by our panel of winemakers as a Carneros “Appellation Signature” wine in the Appellation Discovery Tasting conducted in January/06.

Reviewed February 2, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.

Other Awards & Accolades

AppellationAmerica - "Appellation Signature" selection

This house, better known for its sparkling wines, is turning out some excellent still wines, too. This is one of them. And a Chardonnay that is the “hallmark of Carneros.” The juice is totally free run, and the wine has brilliant color with complex and layered peach, pineapple, honey and nutty flavors, with good acidity and length. The alcohol is 13.5 percent. It’s truly a great effort.
(Jan. 19, 2006)