Amici Cellars Chardonnay

Amici Cellars Chardonnay is a Massachusetts white wine made from Chardonnay, which makes it a New England bottle in a category dominated by California and Burgundy. The listing doesn't give a vintage, an oak regimen or a measured ABV, so what follows describes what to expect from cool-climate Chardonnay in general. Check the label for specifics. Wines from cooler Northeastern growing regions usually lean toward brisk acidity and modest weight rather than the ripe, buttery style of warmer areas. Expect orchard fruit such as green apple and pear, possibly citrus or a little stone fruit, with a light mineral or saline edge. Chardonnay carries no tannin of its own. Any grip or texture comes from lees contact or oak, so if the label mentions barrel fermentation, expect a rounder body with hints of toast, vanilla or hazelnut. A stainless-steel version will be leaner and more direct. Either way, the finish should be clean, with the acidity keeping it fresh. Serve it at about 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F). Fridge-cold temperatures mute the fruit, and a short rest on the counter helps. It doesn't need decanting. If it seems tight, a few minutes in the glass will do more than a decanter. A white wine glass with a moderately wide bowl lets the aromas open without losing the freshness. A larger Burgundy-style glass suits a more oaked bottle. At the table, this style suits roast chicken, pan-seared scallops, lobster or crab with drawn butter, and New England clam chowder. Its acidity cuts through cream sauces and fried seafood, and it also works with soft cheeses and mild alpine types like Gruyère. Most Chardonnay in this style is made to drink within a few years of release, so treat it as a bottle to open now rather than one to cellar. Keep it somewhere cool and out of the light until serving.