On the cusp of the 25th Anniversary of the “ABC” movement, Anything But Chardonnay, and the New York Times article that sparked a decades-long debate, veteran California Chardonnay pioneer Randy Ullom from Kendall-Jackson, revisits the topic, and reinvents the ABC acronym: Always Bring Chardonnay
David Ramey of Ramey Wine Cellars, and Niki Wente of Wente Vineyards join Randy and Moderator Karen MacNeil for A LIVE Virtual Tasting Thursday, August 20, 5:30 p.m. Pacific
WHAT: This August 30th will mark the 25th anniversary of Frank Prial’s New York Times article that sparked the ABC “Anything But Chardonnay” movement in the 1990s. It was a memorable article that became a cult reference for those opposed to a certain style of California Chardonnay, while at the same time, revived a newfound passion for many winemakers in its defense. To explore this global topic, three of California’s pioneering and most influential Chardonnay producers, will join Karen for a lively discussion on the impact of this article, its effect on the California Chardonnay industry globally, the versatility of Chardonnay, and why Chardonnay will remain on top for the next 25 years. Randy Ullom from Kendall-Jackson invites David Ramey from Ramey Wine Cellars, and Niki Wente from Wente Vineyards to join him for a celebratory Chardonnay panel, “ABC: Always Bring Chardonnay,” moderated by Karen MacNeil.
WHO:
Randy Ullom – As the leading producer of the #1-selling Chardonnay in America for 27 years, Kendall-Jackson’s winemaker Randy Ullom is a veteran voice of authority on the topic. The winery’s flagship wine, the Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, was first released in 1982. Its rich and robust style became the benchmark for the state’s leading varietal, so popular that other producers were mimicking the taste profile. Today, Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay still holds the accolade of America’s top-selling Chardonnay. Randy is entering his 28th harvest with Kendall-Jackson.
David Ramey, one of America’s elite winemakers known for his Burgundian approach to California winemaking, founded Ramey Wine Cellars in 1996 with his wife Carla. David’s groundbreaking work with indigenous yeasts, sur lies aging and malolactic and barrel fermentation yielded a new California style that was richer, more lush and silky smooth than previously known. As a result, he created a benchmark style now emulated by many.
Niki Wente, 5th Generation Wente family, Winegrower and Viniculture Manager, bringing her perspective to the table and talking about the groundbreaking and significant clonal work her family did for the California Chardonnay industry.
WHEN: Thursday, August 20 at 5:30 p.m. Pacific
WHERE: Zoom Virtual Tasting
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8115970809210/WN_haI9kKS6QAW3c3hz7QlkbA
COST: Complimentary to Participate; register via Zoom link.
WINES: 2018 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, SRP $17 – www.kj.com
2017 Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay, SRP $42 – www.rameywine.com
2018 Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay, SRP $22 – www.wentevineyards.com
*All wines also available for purchase on www.wine.com.
SOCIAL Handles:
- Kendall-Jackson, www.kj.com
- Instagram & Facebook & Twitter: @kjwines
- Ramey Wine Cellars, www.rameywine.com,
- Instagram & Facebook: @rameywinecellars
- Twitter: @RameyWineCellar
- David Ramey Twitter: @ramey_david
- Wente Vineyards, www.wentevineyards.com
- Instagram & Twitter: @wente
- Facebook: @WenteVineyards
ABOUT KENDALL-JACKSON:
Kendall-Jackson is one of America’s most beloved family-owned and operated wineries. Founded by entrepreneur and visionary Jess Jackson in 1982, and now led by his wife Barbara Banke and the Jackson family, Kendall-Jackson is based in Sonoma County and offers a range of acclaimed wines grown on the family’s estate vineyards along the coastal ridges of California. A leader in sustainable vineyard and winery practices, including water and energy conservation and natural pest control, 100 percent of Kendall-Jackson’s vineyards in California are third party certified by SIP (Sustainable in Practice) and CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing). Kendall-Jackson was recently named 2017 winery of the year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, recognized as a benchmark in the California wine industry. The winery’s seminal wine, the Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, has been America’s favorite Chardonnay for the past 27 years. Learn more online at www.kj.com, and follow Kendall-Jackson on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
