ask the wine geek

Ask the Wine Geek September 2006

by Charles Smothermon

Q. What does it mean when a wine is "estate bottled"?

A. When an American wine is labeled "estate bottled," by law, the winery has to either own or control (through a long lease) the vineyards in which the grapes are grown. And, both the winery and vineyard must be located within the same wine-producing area. In France, the words, mis en bouteille au château and mis en bouteille au domaine indicate estate bottling. While estate bottling is not a guarantee of quality, a winery that goes to the trouble and expense of controlling all aspects of production usually does so with the goal of putting the highest quality product in bottles bearing its name.

Good point, Kendall-Jackson has done that with their Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay. It is an Estate bottled wine. This wine is truly a "bang for the buck", and is usually under $15.00. I love it! Not too dry, not too sweet, not too oaky! You can have it alone or with crab and shrimp dishes. Also, I personally feel that any company that can take the time to personally communicate with a Katrina victim/survivor(me) is a business with a heart. So, I think the same care goes into their wine! Buy a bottle and taste the love!

Lorrie

llebeaux
9/4/06 2:02 PM

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