The Many Shades of Chardonnay

Chardonnay is America’s favorite white wine…by a long shot. Believe it or not, Americans drink over 54 million cases of it a year. The grape, with roots firmly planted in France, has been enjoyed for centuries; from Burgundy and Chablis to its New World homes including California, New Zealand, and South Africa. Chardonnay is grown everywhere grapes are planted.

Why is this green-skinned grape so popular? Chardonnay is one of the most versatile varieties, with virtually limitless styles available to try. If you are a fan, Bogle currently has four different Chardonnays to try, all with different styles, tastes, fruit profiles and oak treatments.

“Really, it is a ‘something for everyone’ grape for us here at Bogle,” says Director of Winemaking Eric Aafedt. “The soils, temperature, and conditions here in Clarksburg grow exceptional Chardonnay, showcasing fresh apple and pear flavors and great acidity. This quality fruit, grown right here in our estate vineyards, gives us a lot to work with.”

Eric loves the versatility of the grape. “Crafting our different Chardonnay wines is definitely one of the most fun parts of my job.”

Read along to see which of our Chardonnay wines tickles your fancy…

Bogle Blanc de Blancs
In true, traditional “methode champenoise” style, our sparkling wine is produced using Chardonnay grapes. The grapes are always the first harvested, hand picked and whole cluster pressed to retain their bracing acidity. The cuvee wine is then fermented a second time in the bottle and on its lees, to create the tiny bubbles that we love to celebrate with.
Available only at our tasting room in Clarksburg.

Bogle Chardonnay
Our top selling wine is a hit with many of you already! With 50% of the grapes fermented in stainless steel and the other 50% fermented and aged in new American oak, this wine retains its fresh nature, with juicy apples and pears, while enjoying the soft and creamy notes imparted by monthly barrel stirring.
Available nationwide.

Bogle Essential Chardonnay
This Chardonnay is “essential” for wine lovers who love everything but oak. Grapes from Clarksburg are cold fermented in small stainless steel tanks, so the bright fruit flavors are untouched. Higher in acidity and brighter in its fruit flavors of crisp, crunchy apples and pears, this wine hits the spot for those who avoid wood at all costs.
Available at our tasting room in Clarksburg, and select retailers in Texas.

Bogle Reserve Chardonnay
This “big daddy” of our Chardonnay lineup is handcrafted winemaking at its best! 100% barrel fermented and aged in American and French oak, the wine is aged on the lees and hand stirred monthly for 16 months. A silky, honeyed texture combines with flavors of spicy Asian pear, followed by buttery softness and exotic vanilla. Rich and voluptuous, this wine is a favorite for those who love big Chardonnay.
Available at our tasting room in Clarksburg.

Cabernet & Cracker Jacks: Take Me Out to the Ballpark, Take Me Out with the Wine

Harvest is here and that means we are closely reviewing the fruit throughout our vineyards to ensure it is ready to be picked and delivered for crush.

But, our fields in Clarksburg are not the only ones we are keeping an eye on.

In May, we joined together with the Sacramento River Cats to plant a first-of-its-kind stadium vineyard. The rows of Cabernet Sauvignon are placed just beyond the right field wall at Raley Field, which serves as the home of the San Francisco Giants triple-A minor league team.

“The foliage growth is coming along nicely and as scheduled,” said Vineyard Director and President, Warren Bogle. “We will continue to train the vines along the wires to help them produce fruit suitable for winemaking.”

While we are excited to start seeing grapes appear, Warren says the Raley Field vineyard won’t likely begin producing the quality of fruit we require until the fall of 2019 but isn’t ruling out 2018 either.

In addition to the vines, six wine barrel tops are etched with entertaining baseball and Bogle facts for fans to read while attending a River Cats game.

If you would like to see the vineyard for yourself, head to Raley Field soon as the River Cats regular season ends next month. Bogle team members will also be out offering free tastings of our own “line-up” tonight, August 11th and the last game of the season, September 4.