What Kind of Wine Is CK Mondavi Chardonnay?
CK Mondavi Chardonnay is a well-balanced dry white wine from Napa Valley, California. It has a crisp frame with appealing citrus and green fruit notes. Also, it is full of engaging exotic fruit and brioche bread flavors. Medium in weight, the wine has a vivid acidity that keeps it fresh, offsetting the light oak touches.
Chardonnay is a versatile grape varietal. It can be grown and ripened without challenge in several climates. It is early budding, which means that it suffers in areas with spring frosts. It displays flavors of green fruit and citrus in cool and moderate climates. In warm regions, like California, ripe tropical fruits are common. In these climates, Chardonnay loses acidity quickly towards the end of the ripening process, and consequently, the harvest timing is critical.
Furthermore, the delicate aromas and flavors of Chardonnay allow it to undergo several winemaking techniques. From vibrant with primary fruit flavors to complicated aromas of nuts and mushrooms, Chardonnay wines mold into many wine styles. In New World, the Chardonnay style is dependent on the winemaker. And many of them are lightly or heavily oaked.
CK Mondavi Chardonnay Review
- Winery — CK Mondavi
- Country/Region — United States, California, Napa County, Napa Valley
- Type — Californian Chardonnay
- Aroma — Honeysuckle, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime Peel, Charred Wood
- Grapes — Chardonnay
- Taste — Pineapple, Banana, Apple, Pear, Brioche Bread, Almond, Prune, Dried Cranberry, Vanilla Spice
- Alcohol Content — 13.4%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Scallops, Oily Fish, Mushrooms, Camembert
CK Mondavi Chardonnay is refreshing with a hint of oak. It combines bright citrus and apple flavors with toastiness in a distinctive way. On top of that, it is smooth and soft, with a round mouthfeel. And it has enough complexity to make it stand out among competitors of the same price range. CK Mondavi Chardonnay is perfect, for what it is: An inexpensive white option.
Tasting Notes
CK Mondavi Chardonnay wine has a fulfilling aromatic and tasting profile. It begins with delicate aromas of honeysuckle and notes of grapefruit and oak. In the mouth, exotic fruit touches join pear flavors as nutty hints combine with dried berries. Meanwhile, a brisk acidity unearths and invigorates. It leads to a creamy and pleasing finish.
Appearance
If there is something we love about CK Mondavi Chardonnay, then that is its color. From the moment the wine is poured into a glass, a medium golden hue appears. It is so attractive, almost like shiny jewelry. After the color opens into a semi-opaque core, deep yellow tones develop on the sides. The legs are medium and watery and look nice too. Superb chromatic layers, therefore, for CK Mondavi Chardonnay.
Aroma
CK Mondavi Chardonnay is delightful on the nose. Gentle fragrances of honeysuckle blend with grapefruit and lemon scents, giving shape to the aromatic bouquet. On top of that, a hint of lemon peel joins oak notes, and CK Mondavi Chardonnay presents a slight toastiness. Charred wood aromas, in addition, add a mature character, complementing the otherwise youthful aromatic profile.
Taste
A wealth of exotic fruit flavors define CK Mondavi Chardonnay’s mouth, while elegant green fruit tastes balance brioche bread and vanilla spice overtones. Consequently, pineapple and banana flavors, a bit ripe in texture, accompanied by fresh apple and pear notes, create a mouthwatering palate. At the same time, the brioche bread and vanilla spice touches bring out a characteristic creaminess. Nutty flavors also unearth as the wine settles inside the mouth, and almond notes mingle with prunes and dried cranberries.
Finish
A creamy and lingering aftertaste is welcoming. Thankfully, CK Mondavi Chardonnay has a pleasing finish with grapefruit and prune flavors teasing the taste buds, hitting the back palate. Furthermore, the vibrant acidity washes the mouth, offsetting the intense creaminess. In that way, CK Mondavi Chardonnay concludes the tasting profile, stimulating taste receptors, inviting consumers for another sip.
Rating
CK Mondavi Chardonnay is a fulfilling white. It does not disappoint at any point. On the contrary, it exceeds expectations and seems a step up for its category and competition. With elegant aromas, mouthwatering palate, and creamy, slightly complex finish, CK Mondavi Chardonnay is super from the first sip across the last.
CK Mondavi Chardonnay Food Pairing
CK Mondavi Chardonnay is versatile, but it goes best with scallops, oily fish, mushrooms, and soft, milky cheeses. Pairing the wine with seared lemon garlic scallops delivers buttery flavors and endless juiciness. In a similar fashion, combining CK Mondavi Chardonnay with pan-fried salmon and mushrooms on the side is delightful. The fish’s oiliness blends nicely with the citrus nature of the wine, while the mushrooms give that well-needed edge in earthiness.
Do not also forget to accompany the wine with Camembert cheese. Take the cheese and place it inside the wooden box that it came with. Spread on the top a bit of honey, rosemary, and dried oregano. Then, put it in the oven and bake for about ten to fifteen minutes. Serve with crackers and a glass of CK Mondavi Chardonnay. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes CK Mondavi Chardonnay?
CK Mondavi Chardonnay is made by CK Mondavi and Family winery in Napa Valley, California. In 1943, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi moved to Napa Valley and purchased the Charles Krug Winery, committing to producing wines of uncompromising quality.
The Mondavi family has an Italian heritage, and as such, winemaking is in their culture. Together with their sons, Robert and Peter, they created CK Mondavi and Family, a line of wines offering quality at a low value. They began with a vision and commitment to produce high-quality wines. And almost seventy-five years later, this vision continues. CK Mondavi and Family remains today one of the most successful wine companies in the United States.
Head winemaker at CK Mondavi and Family is Charles Gilmore since 2016. He came to CK Mondavi and Family from Fetzer Vineyards, where he worked as a winemaker since 2004. Gilmore has seventeen years of experience in producing a wide range of varietals. Previously, he has worked in the Barossa Valley of Australia and Southern France as a consulting winemaker.
How Is CK Mondavi Chardonnay Made?
Chardonnay wines give fresh fruit aromas and flavors. For this reason, the grapes need careful handling to avoid oxidation and acidification. After harvest, the grapes are destemmed and crushed. Crushing breaks the skins of the grapes and liberates a quantity of juice. But damaging the seeds should be avoided. Otherwise, they release bitter oils and tannin, and the final wine becomes astringent and bitter.
After crushing, pressing follows. Pressing separates the liquid and the solid constituents of grapes. Seeds should remain undamaged once again. Then, that juice is clarified to preserve primary fruit flavor and goes into stainless steel vessels to undergo cool fermentation. In this way, the final wine manages to conserve its natural acidity and obtain a crisp balance. At this point, CK Mondavi Chardonnay Chardonnay undergoes malolactic conversation to increase its body and soften its mouthfeel. When that is over, it is filtered from sediments and bottled. Or, the wine might go into oak barrels for slight maturation, enhancing its complexity.
Where Is CK Mondavi Chardonnay Made?
CK Mondavi Chardonnay is produced in Napa Valley, California, the heart of American wine. California has a Mediterranean climate, with combinations of warm and cool influences from the Atlantic. These weather conditions allow the production of a vast range of inexpensive and premium wine styles, with concentrated flavors and moderate acidity. Also, contrary to wines produced in different parts of the world, California wines conserve their fruit-forward nature.
How to Serve CK Mondavi Chardonnay?
CK Mondavi Chardonnay needs chilling at forty-five to fifty degrees Fahrenheit (seven to ten degrees Celsius) before serving. If the wine becomes too cold, the flavor intensity diminishes, leaving behind a dull beverage. Likewise, if it gets too warm, crispiness will be nonexistent. After chilling, uncork CK Mondavi Chardonnay and pour in standard-sized wine glasses. The large surface of the glass provides the wine with essential aeration. As the air comes into contact with the wine surface, the delicate aromas and plush flavors elevate.
White wines, further, have to be kept chilled during service to maintain freshness. So, keep CK Mondavi Chardonnay cool, place it in an ice bucket or wine cooler. The bucket should be filled three-quarters full with equal quantities of ice and water so that iced water surrounds the bottle. The water is then able to transfer the heat from the bottle to melt the ice. Air acts as an insulator, and the bottle chills. Remember, however, that over-chilling overshadows the flavors in the wines.
How Much Does CK Mondavi Chardonnay Cost?
CK Mondavi Chardonnay is seriously affordable. CK Mondavi Chardonnay price ranges from $7 to $9 per 750ml bottle, depending on the retailer. In this way, consumers can purchase a super nice white wine without breaking the bank. To sum it up, at this price-point, CK Mondavi Chardonnay is hard to beat. Very few crowd-pleasers are offered at such a competitive price-point. So, buy it!
How Long Does CK Mondavi Chardonnay Last?
CK Mondavi Chardonnay will benefit from bottle aging. After maturation, aromas and flavors of almond, hazelnut, dried apricot, and marmalade should have developed, adding body and weight to the wine. Now, to mature it successfully, the wine should be sealed with a cork and stored in an environment with room temperatures that do not fluctuate (fifty to sixty degrees Fahrenheit or ten to fifteen Celsius) and a portion of humidity.
Direct sunlight or artificial light should be kept at bay, as they may cause irreversible damage. Intense exposure to light rearranges the chemical compounds found in wine, like oxygen and temperature, and causes wine faults. That means that the wine ages prematurely, and its aromas, flavors, and even color change for the worse. The resulting wine is known as light-struck. Odors also must be avoided, as they might find their way inside the bottle. If they do, they usually instill unwelcome aromas and flavors, like intense animal sweat or vinegar. And as a final note, I would recommend letting the wine mature for about two to three years.
How Many Calories Does CK Mondavi Chardonnay Have?
CK Mondavi Chardonnay has very low caloric density. There are approximately 15 calories in 1 fluid ounce of the beverage, equating to 95 calories per serving. The calorie breakdown is 0 grams of fats, 5 grams of sodium, 0 grams of total carbohydrates, 0 grams of protein, and 1 gram of total sugars. So, CK Mondavi Chardonnay calories are low. And wine fans can confidently make the wine a daily beverage option. CK Mondavi Chardonnay alcohol content sits at 13,4% per 750ml bottle, a regular alcoholic concentration for medium-bodied Chardonnay.
Conclusion
CK Mondavi Chardonnay is refreshing with a hint of oak. It combines bright citrus and apple flavors with toastiness in a distinctive way. On top of that, it is smooth and soft, with a round mouthfeel. And it has enough complexity to make it stand out among competitors of the same price range. CK Mondavi Chardonnay is perfect, for what it is: An inexpensive white option.
