Bright medium gold color; white peach, lemongrass, lime, pear on the nose; green apple, citrus, honey, honeydew melon, pear, key lime on the palate.
Dry; medium body; soft, smooth easy drinker with good, crisp acidity that delivers liveliness and vibrancy. Harmonious blend of aromas and flavors. No oak. Made in white Burgundy style. Exceptionally clean and delicious at marvelous price point; 13% ABV.
A to Z Wineworks is Oregon’s largest negotiant winery and the top-selling Oregon wine brand. It was started in 2002 by four friends, Oregon wine industry veterans Deb Hatcher (Eyrie), Bill Hatcher (Domaine Drouhin Oregon), Sam Tannahill (Archery Summit), and Cheryl Francis (Chehalem). The two couples worked in the Hatcher’s kitchen to build the original blend, a pinot noir that was honored by Food & Wine magazine as the Best American Pinot Noir under $20. With such recognition for quality and value, A to Z Wineworks production grew quickly, with grapes for their various varietals now coming from some 100 Oregon winegrowers; 175,000 cases of this pinot were made.
According to the A to Z website: “In 2006, the group welcomed another Oregon wine veteran, Michael Davies, as winemaker, and partnered with Gregg Popovich (Coach of the San Antonio Spurs) to buy REX HILL Vineyards and Winery (established in 1982). A to Z has worked with more than 100 vineyards across the state always offering assistance for sustainability certification that the group expects to be achieved within three years of partnering. Today, A to Z has two viticulturists on staff and uses biodynamic principles to farm all owned or long-leased vineyards.”
In 2014, A to Z Wineworks became the only winery in the world certified as a B Corporation, a demonstration of deep commitment to transparency, accountability, and social, environmental and economic improvement. B corporations are to business what fair trade certification is to coffee or USDA organic certification is to milk. Certification requires meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The goal is to redefine success in business beyond bottom line numbers. A to Z pays 100% of its workers above the local living wage and pays 100% of full-time employee health benefit programs. More than 50% of management are women or individuals from under-represented populations.
The winery’s dual mission statement is to offer “Aristocratic Wines at Democratic Prices” and deliver “The Essence of Oregon.” The efforts twice have been named one of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines of the year. Visit their website to get the inspiring complete picture (links below).
A to Z Wineworks Oregon Chardonnay 2016 is very solid everyday chardonnay that is easy in the mouth, smooth, authentic—no artificial flavors or winery legerdemain to cover up flaws. Delicious wine. Great Oregon, cool-climate fruit. Excellent patio, porch, deck, pool side sipper. Excellent as aperitif at book club or mah-jongg event. Pair with garden salads, cold cuts, noodle dishes; baked and rotisserie chicken. $15-17
Superb video on the website about A to Z
