What Kind of Wine Is Woodbridge Chardonnay?
Woodbridge Chardonnay is a dry white wine from California and Robert Mondavi. It presents vivid fruit flavors complemented by vanilla spice notes. Crispy and luscious, Woodbridge Chardonnay has a silky texture and pairs well with appetizers or entrees. Chardonnay is a grape variety that grows and ripens without much trouble in many countries and climates. But, because it is early budding, it suffers in areas with spring frosts.
In cool areas, like Chablis, France, Chardonnay is full of green fruit and citrus flavors. In warm, ripe tropical fruits are way more prevalent, leaving a juicy texture on the tip of the tongue. What’s more, the thing that distinguishes Chardonnay from other white varieties is that it can undergo several winemaking techniques. In this way, Chardonnay is different from region to region, as in one area it may show primary fruit flavors, while in another, complicated aromas of dried fruit, nuts, or mushrooms. In fact, in the New World, the Chardonnay style can be heavily oaked. If so, it gives off aromas and tastes of tobacco, cinnamon spice, and smoke.
Woodbridge Chardonnay Review
- Winery — Woodbridge By Robert Mondavi
- Country/Region — United States, California, Lodi
- Type — Californian Chardonnay
- Aroma — Elderflower, Apple, Pear, Peach, Lemon, Cinnamon Spice
- Grapes — Chardonnay
- Taste — Pineapple, Mango, Apricot, Grapefruit, Honey, Brioche Bread, Chard, Vanilla Spice
- Alcohol Content — 13.2%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Poultry, Grilled Vegetables, Fresh Fruits
Woodbridge Chardonnay is the envisionment of Robert Mondavi’s delicious everyday white wine. It is crowd-pleasing, medium-bodied, flavorful, and well-balanced. To put it simply, Woodbridge Chardonnay is nearly perfect and encompasses all those essential structural components that make California wines juicy and approachable. Remarkable!
Tasting Notes
The wine starts with a fragrant nose filled with floral and green fruit aromas and a note of cinnamon spice. In the mouth, Woodbridge Chardonnay shows rich tropical fruit flavors blended with apricot and citrus tastes. Round and creamy, the mouthfeel is fulfilling as honey touches combine with hints of brioche bread to deliver an immersive wine-drinking experience. Finally, the brisk acidity refreshes, leading to the pleasant finish.
Appearance
Woodbridge Chardonnay wine is so beautiful. It starts with a golden color before opening into a semi-opaque center. Then, on the sides, a deep lemon-green reflection develops. The legs of the wine, additionally, are long and watery, completing the good-looking appearance. In fact, they add charm and sophistication.
Aroma
Woodbridge Chardonnay has a very aromatic profile. From the moment that the bottle is uncorked, delicate fragrances of elderflower hit the nose. A few swirls later, aromas of apple and pear interlaced with peach and lemon notes creating the compelling bouquet. A hint of cinnamon spice also unearths, giving substance and structure to the, otherwise, fruit-forward nose.
Taste
A characteristic ripeness and creaminess define Woodbridge Chardonnay’s palate. Pineapple and mango flavors feel sweet and mellow in the mouth, while tastes of apricot and grapefruit smoothen the mouthfeel. Meanwhile, honey overtones are dominant and, together, with brioche bread hints, take the tasting profile to the next level of palatableness. A bright chard sensation adds a vegetal character and combines nicely with the brisk acidity, invigorating.
Finish
Woodbridge Chardonnay has a medium but pleasing finish. It is not the greatest finish of a Chardonnay but still gets the job done. On top of that, the finish has a sweet touch of vanilla spice. It is felt at the tip of the tongue, just as the wine flows down the throat. The creaminess is also intense, and a slight oiliness also appears as with most medium-bodied Chardonnays. A great finish, nevertheless.
Rating
Woodbridge Chardonnay is of good value. Fruity, smooth, and with a silky texture, this bottling puts a grin on consumers’ faces. Balanced and aromatic, the wine has a wealth of gentle flower fragrances and ripe pineapple flavors. Woodbridge Chardonnay, therefore, is almost excellent from the first sip across the last. I can only but recommend it.
Woodbridge Chardonnay Food Pairing
This Chardonnay is incredible to pair with appetizers, like grilled vegetables or even fresh fruits. A platter of grilled zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, and even tomato with balsamic vinegar makes a superb pairing choice with Woodbridge Chardonnay. Additionally, a fruit salad with strawberries, melon, and pineapple cubes goes a long way too.
Another great companion to Woodbridge Chardonnay is heartier dishes such as roast lemon-pepper chicken. The tropical flavors of the wine blend nicely with the soft meat. Likewise, the citrus aromas combine with the lemony seasoning, delivering a fine dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes Woodbridge Chardonnay?
Woodbridge Chardonnay is a product of Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi. In 1966, Mondavi founded the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery near Oakville, California. That was the first major winery built in Napa Valley since the 1930s Alcohol Prohibition.
Since the winery turned out a success, Robert Mondavi decided to pursue his vision of producing delicious wines for daily consumption. As he spent his childhood in Lodi, Mondavi acquired a local cooperative of grape growers, convinced that he could grow grapes that could give quality wines at affordable prices.
How Is Woodbridge Chardonnay Made?
The Chardonnay grapes are picked at night to preserve the freshness and purity of fruit flavors. In order words, the intent is to avoid oxidation and acidification. Afterward, they are gently 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, the pressing of the grapes follows. Pressing separates the juice and the solid constituents of grapes. Seeds should remain undamaged once again. Then, that juice is clarified to preserve primary fruit flavor. At this point, it goes into stainless steel vessels to undergo cool fermentation.
Meanwhile, Chardonnays usually also undergo malolactic conversation to increase their body and round their mouthfeel. When the fermentation is over, Woodbridge Chardonnay is filtered from sediments and bottled.
Where Is Woodbridge Chardonnay Made?
Woodbridge Chardonnay is crafted in Lodi in the Central Valley of California. Lodi is one of the oldest wine regions in California. It is a part of the American wine industry for over one-hundred years. Lodi straddles the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys and lies in the middle of the Central Valley. Every day, it benefits from cooling breezes from San Francisco Bay, as it is east of the Sacramento Delta.
California is the heart of the American wine industry with its celebrated wines and innovative wineries. On top of that, the Mediterranean climate with combinations of warm, bright sun and cooling influences from the Atlantic Ocean delivers a diverse range of premium wine styles. And contrary to wines produced elsewhere, California wines ignore unnecessary complexity in favor of fruitiness and flavor concentration.
How to Serve Woodbridge Chardonnay?
As a typical white wine, Woodbridge Chardonnay needs chilling at fifty degrees Fahrenheit (ten degrees Celsius). If served warm, the aromas and flavors get mixed up—too cold, and they die out, leaving behind a dull wine.
To chill this bolting, place it for an hour or two in the refrigerator. Afterward, uncork it and serve 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 wine’s aromas and flavors elevate.
Do not forget that you need to maintain Woodbridge Chardonnay cool to enjoy it. To do that, place the bottling 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. Keep in mind, however, that over-chilling is damaging the wines as it overshadows their flavors.
How Much Does Woodbridge Chardonnay Cost?
Woodbridge Chardonnay is an affordable white wine. Therefore, every wine enthusiast can enjoy it without paying a hefty price. Woodbridge Chardonnay price ranges from a mere $8 to $13 per 750ml bottle, depending on vendor and vintage. The wine also is offered at 1.5L and 187ml bottles. Consumers, consequently, should not miss the opportunity of trying this Chardonnay at least once.
How Long Does Woodbridge Chardonnay Last?
Chardonnays are fitting for bottle aging, unlike most white wines. They usually have a high alcohol concentration and enough structure to withstand maturation. After successfully maturing, they should have developed aromas and flavors of almond, hazelnut, dried apricot, and marmalade. That is also the case with Woodbridge Chardonnay.
Woodbridge Chardonnay 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 better be avoided as they may damage the wine and make it faulty. Odors also have to be kept at bay, as they might find their way inside the bottle and give unpleasant aromas and flavors, like animal sweat and vinegar.
How Many Calories Does Woodbridge Chardonnay Have?
Robert Mondavi’s Woodbridge Chardonnay has a low-calorie density. There are approximately 20 calories in 1 fluid ounce of the beverage that equates to 120 calories per serving. The calorie breakdown is 0 grams of fats, 0 grams of sodium, 4 grams of total carbohydrates, 0 grams of protein, and 0 grams of total sugars.
As such, Woodbridge Chardonnay calories are quite low for a medium-bodied white wine. And consumers on a diet can feel safe when enjoying the wine. Woodbridge Chardonnay alcohol content sits at 13,2% per 750ml bottle. That is a relatively high alcohol concentration for a bottle of white wine but quite normal for a California Chardonnay.
Conclusion
Woodbridge Chardonnay is the envisionment of Robert Mondavi’s delicious everyday white wine. It is crowd-pleasing, medium-bodied, flavorful, and well-balanced. To put it simply, Woodbridge Chardonnay is nearly perfect and encompasses all those essential structural components that make California wines juicy and approachable. Remarkable!
