Earth Day will be here soon, and there aren’t many better ways to celebrate our planet on that day (and everyday) than to enjoy a bottle of S.I.P Certified wine. The brands that proudly display the Sustainability-in-Practice or S.I.P Seal on their labels produce those wines in such a matter that benefits the land, the air, and their workers. So, here are some delicious Chardonnays that would be ideal for an Earth Day toast.
Riverbench 2013 Estate Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of golden pineapples and crisp pears mingle with nuances of vanilla and buttery oak on the nose. Flavors of pear, pineapple, and lemon are accented by suggestions of toasty vanilla and butter on the palate. Lush flavors and a fresh acidity give this Chardonnay a nice sense of balance. 600 cases produced.
Rating: 91
Riverbench 2012 “Cork Jumper” Blanc de Blancs
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, Ca
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of apples, pears, and Meyer lemons coalesce with hints of fresh bread on the nose. With a sip, flavors of reds apples and baked pears are framed by inklings of lemon zest and buttery toast on the palate. A vibrant sparkling wine, with a nice complexity, enjoy a bottle at your next brunch party. 362 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Castoro Cellars 2012 Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of pears, pineapples, and vanilla greets the senses. The palate delivers flavors of tropical fruit and baked pear that blend with hints of vanilla and toast. If your looking for an everyday Chardonnay, this hits the mark for under $15 a bottle. 2,750 cases produced.
Rating: 88
True Myth 2013 Estate Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of tropical fruit, lime, peach and vanilla rises up from a glass. The palate reveals flavors of pineapple, peach, and sweet lime that open up into traces of minerals and toasty vanilla. A fresh acidity and a lively character make this a fine choice to pair with sole in a brown butter sauce.
Rating: 89
Wrath 2013 “Fermata” Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County, Ca
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
Notes of pear and sweet lemon coalesce with suggestions of custard and vanilla on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of key lime, lemon, and pear along with traces of cream. A lush, mouth-filling, citrusy Chardonnay, enjoy a bottle with scallops in a creamy sauce.
Rating: 89