Winemakers love Chardonnay because its inherently neutral flavors can be enhanced by a range of winemaking methods. The 2022 Tether Chardonnay was sourced largely (80%) from the cool climate of Carneros with an additional 20% from St. Helena. In the cellar, the must was fermented and aged in French oak (50% new barrels), and all of it underwent malolactic fermentation. The wine aged in barrel for 11 months with battonage (lees stirring) carried out for about half that time. Jeb Dunnuck called the wine a ”ripe, sexy Chardonnay that has wonderful purity in its honeyed citrus, pineapple, flower oil, and toasted nut-like nuances. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, has a beautiful texture, and a clean finish. It's beautifully done and well worth seeking out.”
Tether is another project by Mario and Anna Monticelli, the hard-working, wine-loving couple who also produce Stackhouse Cabernet. Anna and Mario both have viticulture and enology degrees from UC Davis and years of experience in the Napa Valley and Europe. Anna was assistant winemaker at Seavey Vineyard for two years and then Bryant Family Vineyard for five. She has been the winemaker at Piña Napa Valley since 2007. Mario’s father was born in Italy but emigrated to California, where he made wine at Gallo for 50 years. Mario worked a harvest in Tuscany at Villa Antinori, and then spent four years as the assistant winemaker for Philippe Melka, a consultant for many Napa Valley wineries. He became winemaker at Trinchero Napa Valley in 2007. Mario and Anna have full-time “day jobs” as winemakers or winemaking consultants; produce their own labels not only in the Napa Valley, but in Piemonte, Toscana, Abruzzo, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy. Oh! They are also raising three children.
The label depicting an astronaut “tethered,” presumably to a spaceship, appears whimsical but also conveys a deeper message about life, humanity, and community. As we each step out and make our lives, we best stay tethered to our families, our friends, our communities, and the Earth… And what better cord exists to bind us together in a good life than good wine and food!
Country | USA |
Region | California |
Appellation(s) | Napa Valley |
Winery | Tether |
Vintage | 2022 |
Color | White |
Varietal(s) | Chardonnay |
Closure | Cork |
Volume | 750ml |
Bottle Size | 8.5 x 30.0 |
Case Size | 37.0 x 27.5 x 31.0 |
Alcohol | 14.2% |
Product Code | TE22NCH |
UPC | 709870703881 |
MLF | 100% |
Aromas of ripe peaches and honeydew with notes of cedar, spice, and honeysuckle open up to a palate that is medium-bodied, fruity, and showing nice tension. Creaminess is balanced by acidity and freshness.
Fermented in barrel and aged 11 months in 100% French Oak (50% new). 100% malolactic fermentation.