{"product_id":"clay-creek-chardonnay-2023","title":"Clay Creek Vineyards Chardonnay 2023","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinery Background and History\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eClay Creek Vineyards is a family-owned winery under the Delicato Family Wines umbrella, established in 1924 by Sicilian immigrant Gaspare Indelicato. Located in Manteca, California, Delicato has grown into one of the top wine companies in the U.S., known for producing quality wines across various price points. The Clay Creek brand focuses on delivering approachable, fruit-forward wines that reflect California’s diverse terroirs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProducer and Wine Maker\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eDelicato Family Wines oversees the production of Clay Creek wines, with a team dedicated to sustainable viticulture and innovative winemaking techniques. The winemaking process emphasizes the expression of varietal character and regional attributes, aiming to produce wines that are both accessible and reflective of California’s winegrowing regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyards and Micro Climate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2023 Clay Creek Chardonnay sources grapes from vineyards in Lodi, California. Lodi’s Mediterranean-like climate, characterized by warm days and cool nights, along with its sandy soils, contributes to the development of grapes with intense color and rich, concentrated flavors. These conditions are ideal for cultivating Chardonnay, resulting in wines with depth and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification \u0026amp; Aging Methods\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe grapes underwent fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve their fresh fruit character. Post-fermentation, the wine was aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, imparting subtle notes of vanilla and spice. This approach balances the wine’s vibrant fruit flavors with a touch of oak complexity, resulting in a well-rounded and expressive Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2023 Clay Creek Chardonnay presents a medium-bodied profile with complex structure and balanced acidity. Aromas of peach, ripe pear, vanilla, and toasted hazelnut lead to flavors of honeydew, pineapple, and graham cracker on the palate. The finish is rich and juicy, showcasing the wine’s harmonious blend of fruit and oak characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood \u0026amp; Wine Pairing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis Chardonnay pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roasted poultry, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, and charcuterie boards. Its balanced acidity and fruit-forward profile complement both savory and earthy flavors, making it versatile for pairing with meats, cheeses, and vegetarian dishes alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eService Methods and Temperatures\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eTo fully appreciate the nuances of this Chardonnay, serve it chilled at a temperature between 10–12°C (50–54°F). Use white wine glasses with a slightly wider bowl to allow the aromas to develop. No decanting is necessary. Proper serving enhances the wine’s complexity, allowing its layers of fruit, oak, and acidity to shine through with elegance and balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStorage and Aging Potential\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2023 Clay Creek Chardonnay is crafted for immediate enjoyment but also possesses the structure to age gracefully over the next 2–3 years. Stored under optimal conditions—cool, dark, and with consistent temperature and humidity—the wine will maintain its freshness and may develop additional complexity, showcasing subtle tertiary notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape Varietals \u0026amp; percentage used\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e100% Chardonnay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eABV (Alcohol by Volume)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e13.5%\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ASC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47922372313302,"sku":null,"price":141.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/5465\/4934\/files\/ClayCreekChardonnay_1ced3a60-812e-4a4c-ae97-9f66c20d40fa.png?v=1773669412","url":"https:\/\/www.pinotera.com\/products\/clay-creek-chardonnay-2023","provider":"Pinotera Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}