Steel Chardonnay

Episode 12: Jon & Mills Wehner, Chatham Vineyards

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Oysters Half ShellJon and Mills Wehner of Chatham Vineyards join me on this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country on WCHV to talk about the unique wine growing region of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

The Eastern Shore is probably best known for its vibrant fishing and crabbing communities. While the briny, delectable and various oyster offerings and sweet Chesapeake crab get the lion’s share of attention, there is something quite unique about the terroir here that is garnering interest across Virginia and beyond.

Jon, a second-generation Virginia wine grower, talks about the evolution of Virginia wine since the late 70’s. Jon also discusses his minimalistic winemaking philosophy and talks about his success with planting not only Chatham’s award-winning Chardonnay, but bordelais varietals on the sandy, loam soils surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Jon’s wife Mills also joins us on the program to tell us about Virginia’s Wine and Brine month that celebrates one of the most classic wine and food pairings in the world, plus she gets personal and shares what its like to raise their three children on the farm.  You can catch a new episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country every Saturday at 8:30 on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV.  Enjoy the show! You can also watch my mini-documentary on Chatham Vineyards below.

Visit Chatham Vineyards:

232 Chatham Road
Machipongo, VA 23405
757.678.5588

Tasting Room Hours

Open Daily 10 am – 5 pm Apr – Dec.
Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jan – Mar.
Closed for major holidays.

 

Chatham Vineyards Church Creek “Steel” Chardonnay

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Sometimes the best things in life can be found down the road less traveled. Chatham Vineyards on Virginia’s historic Eastern Shore is no exception to this rule. The 400 year old farm is nestled between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.  The maritime climate and sandy loam soil create the perfect dynamic for world class wines.

We are kicking off our celebration of Virginia wine month with Chatham’s Church Creek “Steel” Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of meyer lemon, quince, honeydew melon and slight tropical undertones of pineapple are present on the nose along with honeysuckle, wet stone and a hint of salinity.

The palate echoes the aroma profile and provides a perfect foil for briny oysters and other shellfish.  This is a crisp dry balanced wine with refreshing acidity.  The minerality and flavor profile is reminiscent of an old world Chablis. A true expression of what the Chardonnay grape should taste like.

The best part, this wine retails for under $20!

Perfect Pairings

This wine is a classic pairing with oysters. In fact, Chatham is hosting its annual Merroir & Terroir event coming up in November where they pair local oysters with the “Steel” Chardonnay.

In addition to oysters, this is a perfect pairing with an array of seafood, poultry dishes and my Chesapeake Crab & Corn Chowder.  The sweet briny crab meat brings out the fruit characteristics in the wine and the refreshing acidity cleanses your palate in between bites. This is a marriage made in heaven!

In addition to the “Steel” Chardonnay, the Wehner family is having some great results with Bordelais varietals, most notably the Cabernet France.  We will review that wine later this month. It’s definitely worth the short detour of Highway 13 to stop in and savor some of the great wines from Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

I had the opportunity to spend the day with the winemaker, watch the video.