The Aldi’s William Walker Monterey Chardonnay 2024 is a $9.49 Aldi exclusive. It is produced for Aldi by Plata Wine Group, a large private label and bulk wine company.
The Story
Aldi typically owns the trademark for the wine brand name so the can, if necessary, change producers and keep their brand.
Before Willam Walker Monterey wines there was William Wright Monterey wines which were produced by Scheid Family Vineyards. Those wines sold for $6.99.
Monterey is a versatile growing region. The coldest place in the Pacific Ocean is just off shore giving Monterey vineyards steady cooling breezes. The Central Coast AVA can get warm, but many places in Monterey stay cool.
Plata Wine Partners says they have 20.000 acres of coastal vineyards and while they do not reveal the locations of the vineyards, look to be in cool coastal regions.
The back label of the Aldi’s William Walker Monterey Chardonnay 2024 suggests flavors consistent with malolactic fermentation and oak barrel aging.
Allison Crowe, the winemaker for Plata Wine Partners, also makes wines for Costco Kirkland Select wines which are usually well received.
The alcohol content is a very California like 14.5%.
The Aldi’s William Walker Monterey Chardonnay 2024 Tasting Notes
The color is a pale butter yellow. The nose is delicate and pretty, light honey, apple, pear, ripe peach, melon, tropical fruit, and a light floral edge. The Aldi’s William Walker Monterey Chardonnay 2024 has a firm mouth-feel and focused flavors.
This Chardonnay tastes like melon, vanilla, apple, Anjou pear, spice, nectarine, and coconut milk.
The acidity is balanced and gives the wine decent length.
The Summary
- The Aldi’s William Walker Monterey Chardonnay 2024 sips well and can be very useful in pairings.
- This Chardonnay has enough body and flavor is be used for roast od BBQ pork and chicken as well as the usual salads and spicy Thai.
