Alias Chardonnay 2022

This white wine is produced in the United States, primarily from fruit sourced across cool-climate regions of California, including Monterey County. As part of the Alias "secret project" by Gregory Ahn and Jonathan Egan, this Chardonnay is designed to be a "cult wine for the common man." The goal is to provide a high-quality, balanced expression of the varietal at a value-driven price point, avoiding the heavy, over-manipulated styles sometimes found in industrial California Chardonnays.

Wine Description

The Alias Chardonnay is known for its bright, approachable, and well-balanced profile that bridges the gap between fresh fruit and subtle oak influence.

• Appearance: A brilliant pale straw color, often laced with honey-like highlights.

• Nose: Clean and expressive, featuring a mix of tropical and orchard fruits. You can expect aromas of pineapple, mango, and banana, accented by delicate hints of vanilla bean, toasted hazelnut, and jasmine tea.

• Palate: The texture is medium-bodied, round, and smooth. Flavors of guava, yellow apple, and pear are balanced by a persistent, zippy acidity that keeps the wine refreshing. Unlike many entry-level California Chardonnays, it retains a focused structure without feeling overly heavy or buttery.

• Technical Details: 100% Chardonnay. Winemaking typically involves partial malolactic fermentation (around 50%) and aging in a combination of stainless steel and new French oak to achieve its signature balance of creaminess and crispness. The alcohol by volume (ABV) usually falls between 13.5% and 13.7%.

Food Pairing

The wine’s vibrant acidity and subtle tropical notes make it an excellent partner for a variety of dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken seasoned with lemon and herbs, creamy seafood pasta, or grilled white fish like halibut. It also complements earthy appetizers like mushroom tarts or soft, creamy cheeses such as Brie and Camembert. For a casual pairing, it is surprisingly good with buttered popcorn or grilled vegetable pizza.