06 Oct Subtle Chardonnay -Simi 2020 Sonoma County
Chardonnay has been called the most important grape in the world.
But it’s also the most maligned.
And at least some of that hate is well-deserved.
Truth be told, the wine world is swimming in cheap, sub-par Chardonnays
that are sickly sweet and over-oaked.
Then there’s the opposite end of the “why we hate Chardonnay” spectrum…
the watered-down, insipid version that is thin and weak.
But…and you know where we’re going with this…(we’ve gone here before
and we’ll probably go here again):
all inexpensive Chardonnay’s are not created equal.
It’s Wine Thursday!,
our weekly look at a good wine
that sells at a reasonable price
and is readily available at retail or online.
This week, we’re checking out an inexpensive Chardonnay
that challenges the inexpensive-Chardonnay stereotype.
Where it’s from
Nearly 150 years ago, Giuseppe and Pietro Simi produced their first wines
under the Simi name.
Based in Healdsburg in the middle of Sonoma County wine country,
the Simi winery now produces a varied portfolio
of California-esque reds and whites.
What it is
Simi’s entry-level Chardonnay does a nice job of not
overpowering your palette.
It’s an easy-going, subtle Chard.
Hints of tropical fruits and citrus combine with
vanilla and cream on the palate.
Yes, there’s oak and yes, there’s butter.
But neither hit you over the head.
The Simi website touts this as “food friendly”.
Agreed.
Salmon and seafood would be a good match.
Where to find it
Simi’s 2020 Sonoma County Chardonnay is at Total Wine for $12.47.
The price at Jewell Osco is $14.99.
Bevmo, Safeway and Target all have it for $15.99.
It’s on the shelf at QFC for $16.99.
Fred Meyer’s price is $17.99.
You can order it from Empire Wine for $12.95
Wood’s Wholesale Wine’s price is $12.84
https://www.woodswholesalewine.com
Gary’s Wine & Marketplace has it for $13.17
and the price at Bounty Hunter is $14.95