Hendry Napa Valley Barrel Fermented Chardonnay

About

The Hendry family has been farming the same vineyard in Napa since 1939. The lessons learned in more than 75 harvests provide us with a high level of knowledge and a unique connection to the land. The Hendry Ranch is composed of 203 acres situated in the hills north west of Napa, which include 114 acres of vineyard. This latitude and location in the valley experiences substantial marine influence, and allows us to grow 11 different varietals, each carefully distributed among our many vineyard blocks. All Hendry wines are made from estate grapes. Our wines are crafted to highlight the terroir of the vineyard.

The Barrel Fermented Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed and then cold-settled. It is barrel fermented sur lie and aged in French oak barrels for 11 months, without racking, undergoing monthly battonage. Approximately one-third of the barrels are new each year. The Barrel Fermented Chardonnay does not undergo any malolactic fermentation, which is important for retaining its food-friendly acidity.

Hendry Napa Valley Barrel Fermented Chardonnay has a yellow-gold color, green/golden apple and spice aromatics. Soft, medium-weight palate, with layered flavors of tangy fruit, and spicy oak and apple peel on the finish. Our favorite pairings for this wine are salmon, Manchego cheese, white pizzas, especially with shrimp, crab cakes, chicken, turkey, and all the trimmings. This wine’s food pairing versatility and non-malolactic, acidic brightness make friends for it on both sides of the Chardonnay divide.