4 and 6 bottle levels    $21 (member price $18)
85% Chardonnay, 15% Chenin Blanc   14.0% ABV

October saw Chris Gaither host a Brown Estate Wine Dinner at VV.  Chris is a Master Sommelier and a native of the ATL.  We were thrilled to be the site of his first Atlanta wine dinner, and a packed house of guests enjoyed Chef Patric’s cuisine with Brown Estate’s wines, including this Chard.  The photo is of Chris with wife Rebecca Fineman, also a Master Somm, and their daughters.  The first generation of the Brown family purchased an abandoned ranch in eastern Napa Valley in 1980, Brown Estate was founded in 1996, and their first vintage was released in 2000, making a big splash at the ZAP Grand Tasting in San Francisco. House of Brown is Brown Estate’s casual lineup.  The wines are California appellated, but the fruit is from Cosumnes River, a cool climate sub appellation of Lodi.  The Chenin Blanc adds weight and tropical fruit to the blend.  Jasmine, guava, starfruit, lime zest.  Aged in stainless steel.  GOBBLE GOBBLE 

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Enjoy this expressive chardonnay with fall favorites like butter-basted cornbread stuffed Thanksgiving turkey drizzled with gravy over sweet potato mash, butternut squash and gorgonzola risotto, crisp-skinned roast chicken with creamed corn, Southern shrimp and grits, herb-crusted cod over pea puree, crab or lobster mac and cheese, fettuccine with scallops and cream sauce and mini lobster or turkey pot pie. This versatile white also pairs perfectly with a variety of cheeses from Brillat-Savarin and Fontina to baked Ricotta and creamy Camembert.