California Chardonnay
According to the California Wine Institute there are over 90,000 acres of land devoted to chardonnay
in California, more than any other red or white grape variety. The domestic consumer has a big thirst
for chardonnay. This demand is tremendous compared to other grape varieties like sauvignon blanc,
viognier, pinot gris, chenin blanc, and riesling.
Chardonnay, like most of our favorite grape varieties, originally
gained its fame in France. Versions of these wines from our west coast are styled in a distinctly
American manner. There was a time, not too long ago that practically every domestic chardonnay,
which numbers in the thousands of labels each year, was aged in new French oak barrels and
had undergone malolactic fermentation. French oak adds spice and flavors of caramel, pineapple,
mango, nutmeg, and vanilla. Malolactic fermentation (ML) softens the natural fruit acid of wine
and converts it into a creamy flavored milk acid leaving notes of butter and marshmallow.
Unfortunately, some of these wines were so manipulated that the glorious flavors of the noble
chardonnay were often lost.
This grape can be elegant, complex, and exotic and at
the same time grows well just about anywhere, producing copious amounts of grapes.
Of course the recipe for graceful and scrumptious chardonnays is not maximized yields;
it is quite the opposite. Even when it is grown as a work-horse grape, chardonnay can
produce impressive wine.
New world chardonnay labeled unoaked, unwooded, or
virgin has been fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. These versions are
refreshing and bright, with notes of apples, pears, and lime zest. Creamy flavors can
come from resting the wine on the lees, dormant yeast cells, rather than malolactic fermentation.
California offers some of the most luscious chardonnays
on the market. Although some versions can be woody and cloying, many winemakers are
embracing the prudent use of oak barrels and malolactic fermentation,
still others are forgoing oak and ML to showcase the true flavors of this elegant, classic grape.
Case Discounts
Libations Wine & Spirits offers 10% discount on all cases of wine mix or match.
Join us most Wednesdays to sample wine, beer, and spirits in-store, at no charge.
Every Wednesday from 4:30pm to 7:00pm we pour samples for you.
Join us on selected Fridays too.
Upcoming Tasting Events
July 8, 2009
Summer Yummers!
Sun Garden Gerwertztraminer $9.49
Sun Garden Riesling $9.49
91 points
Wine Enthusiasts
Jacuzzi Sangiovese $17.99
Jacuzzi Barbera $17.99
July 15, 2009
Oregon Wines
Mirth Chardonnay $11.49
O'Reilly's Chardonnay $14.79
A to Z Pinot Noir $17.99
Piedra Roja Pinot Noir (from Sineann ) $23.99
July 22nd, 2009
Some of our favorites!
Davinchi Pinot Grigio $13.79
Rancho Zabaco Sauvignon Blanc $12.99
88 points
Wine Enthusiasts
Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel $14.99
88 Points
Wine Advocate
Santo Ippolito Merlot/Syrah Blend $38.99
90 Points
Wine Spectator
July 29th, 2009
Dog Days Cocktails!
Bacardi Mojito's $18.99
2 flavors
Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka $19.99
Coyote Gold Margarita's $23.99
As always, you will receive a 15% discount on wines,
and a 10% discount on beers during all tasting events!
SPECIAL PRICING DURING TASTING HOURS
Wednesday tasting hours are 4:30 to 7:00 pm.
Each sample is a one ounce portion to adults 21 and older.
Limit four different samples per person.
Libations Wine and Spirits is a full service liquor store serving
Aurora, Parker, Centennial, Tallyn's Reach, Saddle Rock,
Pride's Crossings, Shenandoah, Park Villas, Inverness, Meadow Hills, Foxfield,
Cottonwood, Pleasant Run, Heritage Eagle Bend and Littleton, Colorado area.
Libations has a comprehensive wine inventory, award winning beer selections,
all of your favorite spirits and few unusual items as well.
Whether you are driving from the DTC, (Denver Tech Center), downtown Denver, Parker,
Aurora, Castle Rock, Franktown or Inverness, Libations is on your way home.
We are located in Southeast Aurora, near Cherry Creek Reservoir, at Arapahoe Crossings.
Our staff are knowledgeable about wine, beer, liqueurs, and spirits, and are
always eager to serve you.
You must be 21 years or older to shop at Libations Wine & Spirits.
Libations Wine & Spirits
Arapahoe & Parker Roads
Northeast corner at Arapahoe Crossings
6554 South Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado 80016
Monday - Saturday, 10am to 10pm
Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Phone: 303-766-0575
info@libationswines.com
libationswines.com
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