Overview: Two distinct styles of white wine are available for consumers seeking entry-level options. Louis Latour offers a classic Burgundy profile, while Decoy Limited presents a Sonoma Coast alternative with maritime influences.
The Full Story
Louis Latour is an iconic producer in France with a history dating back to the 1700s. The winery holds one of the largest Grand Cru vineyard areas in Burgundy and places sustainable viticulture at the forefront of its philosophy. Among the lineup, the Bourgogne Chardonnay offers an approachable and broader taste of the region. Decoy Limited is part of the Duckhorn Portfolio and excels at producing quality wines at affordable prices. The winery sits under the premium Duckhorn Vineyards brand, though Decoy serves as a worthy alternative for those looking for a more entry-level ready-to-drink option.
The Louis Latour Bourgogne Chardonnay is made by fermenting the grapes in stainless steel vats and allowing them to undergo malolactic fermentation. The aging also occurs in stainless steel, ensuring that the fruit aromas are well displayed. This wine offers notes of white peach, yellow apple, honeysuckle, and almond, enhanced by an element of minerality. Decoy Limited Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is part of the winery’s Limited line, which consists of small-batch wines from prime vineyards in California. Made with fruit sourced from the Sonoma Coast AVA, where maritime influences and a cool climate offer freshness, this chardonnay bottle makes it easy to understand why it has this reputation.
Production & Profile
The Louis Latour Bourgogne Chardonnay is aged in stainless steel, ensuring that the fruit aromas are well displayed. It offers notes of white peach, yellow apple, honeysuckle, and almond, enhanced by an element of minerality. The Decoy Limited Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is aged in partially new French oak barrels, which lend aromas of vanilla and oak to the fruit profile. Notes of lemon, pear, apple, honeysuckle, custard, and brioche are displayed on the palate, which is round and creamy while remaining bright from the acidity.
Brand & Industry History
Louis Latour has a history dating back to the 1700s and several estates around France. In Burgundy, it holds one of the largest Grand Cru vineyard areas, prized plots in the prestigious wine region. Decoy Limited is an experienced winery with decades under its belt. The winery sits under the Duckhorn Portfolio, which includes the premium Duckhorn Vineyards brand. Although the two differ in price tag, Decoy is a worthy alternative if you are looking for a more entry-level ready-to-drink option.
What This Means
These selections allow consumers to explore distinct styles of Chardonnay without committing to high-cost bottles. The Louis Latour Bourgogne Chardonnay is worth noting that chardonnay hails from Burgundy, and consequently, the local fruit is considered especially representative and suited to its terroir. Decoy Limited Sonoma Coast Chardonnay showcases a gentle oak influence and cool climate character, making it a delightful match for seafood, creamy pasta dishes, and savory snacks.
Consumer Takeaway
The Louis Latour Bourgogne Chardonnay is served as an aperitif or with seafood, this is a great wine to start your foray into chardonnay for around $23. The Decoy Limited Sonoma Coast Chardonnay retails for around $30 and makes it easy to understand why it has this reputation. Both bottles offer distinct profiles suitable for beginners learning to identify the qualities unique to Chardonnay and how they change by region.
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