2021 St Francis, Chardonnay

ABOUT THE WINE
Established in 1971 by Joe Founder, St. Francis has reflected the finest mountain and valley vineyards in and around Sonoma County for over 50 years.
Today, the vineyards of St. Francis are farmed per Certified Sustainable standards. Their estate vineyards present a stunning diversity as they are scattered around Sonoma Valley and the famous Russian River Valley, each with diverse compositions of limestone, loam, clay and black & red volcanic soils. They also buy fruit from some of the oldest vineyards in the region, farming beautifully gnarly old vine Zinfandel, by nurturing their long-standing relationships for decades.

TASTING NOTES
Fruit for Chardonnay is sourced from the coolest vineyards where maritime Pacific mist and winds help retain the fresh acidity of the fruit. This wine blends the fragrant fruitiness of Fuji apples, pears and melon with a refreshing citrus zestiness, covered by the warming blanket of oak ageing. Adding to complexity with sweetcorn, yoghurt and allspice notes, with a silky mouthfeel, leading into a lingering decadent finish. 

FOOD PAIRING
This wine gets along perfectly with cream sauces, such as Bearnaise, bechamel and carbonara, where its freshness cuts through the fat while the richness accompanies the mouthfeel. 

FRIARWOOD SAYS
St. Francis’ gorgeous mission-style estate and Tasting Room building is in the heart of the valley surrounded by estate-owned vineyards. Their bell tower, pictured on their labels houses a 1,000-pound bronze bell cast by the Marinelli Foundry in Italy. It chimes every hour and can be heard throughout the valley.