I can't help but make a big deal out of this wine! And I couldn't wait to write about it. I should note several things here:
1) I'm always on the look-out for something that rocks my palate
2) I appreciate wines processed under difficult conditions
and
3) I'm not a huge Chardonnay drinker
However, that being said, this Chardonnay by Allegro Wines was quite impressive! (I feel like I'm biasing my review already, but that's just too bad!) This Chardonnay was a native fermentation, meaning that no commercial yeast was added to the wine. This is not an easy process and deserves a round of applause for such an awesome wine... produced right here in Pennsylvania nonetheless!
For those that never thought Pennsylvania wines were worth purchasing, welcome to the real world! In the few visits I've had around good ol' PA, I've been so impressed with the innovation, enological care, and new products hitting the market out here... products that consumers are falling in love with. Here's one that I fell for on first sip! Without further ado...
"Barrel fermented in French oak with native yeasts and aged on the lees for 10 months..."
(Photos by author)
The D-2010 Scale
2007 Reserve Chardonnay by Allegro Wines (Pennsylvania)
Appearance (10 points possible): straw yellow color, clear - 10 points
Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): Pineapple, mineral, fresh pears, fresh apples, floral, honeysuckle, toasty oak, slight vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch. - 20 points
Taste (10 points possible): Smooth, full entry with a crisp acidity and mineral flavor in the mid-palate. A sur lie character takes the mid-palate into a long finish with lingering oak and pear flavors. - 9 points
Balance (5 points possible): Amazingly, all the elements appeared to marry in this wine. Nothing quite stood out to me; definitely a wine to be enjoyed for many days. - 5 points
Finish (5 points possible): VERY long finish filled with pear flavors and a touch of toast. - 5 points
Packaging
Quality of Package (5 points possible): Heavy, brown glass. Natural cork. - 5 points
Label Marketability (10 points possible): All of Allegro's wines have a label that represents something in the music industry. These glossy labels are extremely eye-catching when you walk into the winery. On it's own, it may not be overly appealing, but overall, nice package. - 8 points
Other (5 points possible): Nothing exquisite, but a nice wine package. - 5 points
Total Points: 97 points
Overall Thought: This is one of those wines that wine collectors would covet. Definitely something worth purchasing, and a terrible shame that it's not produced every year. Made from several Chardonnay cultivars, the tastes of this wine are incredible.
Food Pairings: I enjoyed this wine without pairing it to anything. But, if you must, a creamy pasta dish, fresh cheeses with some dried fruit... absolute yum!
Cost: $25
Splurge Factor (out of 4): 2 - but worth every penny. You will never find a native ferment Chardonnay for $25 anywhere... and certainly not one of this quality. This wine is definitely one for those consumers that seek out treasures.
Where to buy: I found this wine at Allegro Wines.
The red wall of Allegro Wines at the winery tasting room
(Photo by author)
A chilled bottle of the 2007 Reserve Chardonnay
(Photo by author)
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