2013 Bread & Butter Chardonnay
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$17.95 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt
Aviary is one of a collection of brands in the Alcohol by Volume portfolio founded by three refugees from corporate America who describe their strategy as “the realization of our punk vision.” Propelled by the legacy of Kurt Kobain rather than Warren Buffet, the trio of Gregory Ahn, Jonathan White and Matt Scarlett are building the next Constellation Brands from the ground up. Says the crew: “Our mission is to turn up the volume on wines that we believe will be the next rock stars of the wine world. . .it it’s too loud, you’re too old.”
No offense taken by this 65-year-old wine shop owner because these boys deliver. Great, affordable juice produced in modest quantities. Alc/Vol also produces another of this month’s wine selections, the 2012 Aviary Red Wine.
Winery Tasting Notes: Eyes: The color is a day-bright, golden yellow with bright flashes of brilliance. Nose: The wine develops like a story in the glass as you let it breathe. It begins with a combination of bright butterscotch and lemongrass. Then the notes of cream and lemon meringue pie begin to rise to the surface and are joined with toast, smoke and vanilla flavors from the oak. Floral and canned peach aromas develop last. When it all comes together, it’s magic. Mouth: Let the wine open up to wonderful flavors of peach, lemon zest, papaya, banana, and honeysuckle. Then buttered popcorn and vanilla oak characters emerge from the background to soften the fruit. There is a great balance of acidity and richness that makes Bread & Butter both refreshing and decadent. Pairings: I recommend the 2013 with all kinds of shellfish. Clams and mussels in a sauce made with B&B Chardonnay, butter, and garlic is incredible. I’ve also been enjoying it with salads, crab cakes, and my new obsession, hand made pasta, especially gnocchi in a cream sauce…so good.
Blend: 100% chardonnay
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