The Clos du Bois Lightly Effervescent Chardonnay 2016 is sourced from vineyards in more than one California grape growing AVA. The “Lightly Effervescent” in the title indicates this Chardonnay has some bubbles, it’s not a full-on Sparkling wine/Bubbly, bit it does bubble up your glass (they recommend a regular White wine glass, no fancy stems are needed). This Chardonnay is unoaked and does not undergo malolactic fermentation (many Chardonnay’s do at least some malolactic fermentation….it changes the natural tart acid to more rounded tasting acid). In Italy this type of wine is called “frizzante” and is fairly common, in American wine it’s fairly rare. It is produced in the same way that Sparkling wine/Bubbly is made, but using far less yeast and sugar during 2nd fermentation which in turn causes far less intensity and bubbles, making it, lightly effervescent. The alcohol content is 13%.

The color is a pale lemon yellow, with a good amount of tiny bubbles, but they are far less energetic than a Champagne-style or Prosecco-style wine would be. The nose is elegant, lemon, melon, pear, apple, and a hint of tropical fruit. There is an interesting mouth-feel, it’s not a still wine and it’s not a Sparkling wine/Bubbly. It tastes of lemon and candied lemon rind, (but not sweet), green apple, not so tart grapefruit, and a touch of lime. The mid-palate adds a touch of minerality, pear and kiwi. Some of the flavors seem to be slightly sweet, but the balanced acidity never lets the overall effect go over to the sweet side. The light bubbles give this Chardonnay a crisp, clean profile. The finish is subtle and sticks around awhile.

Th Clos du Bois Lightly Effervescent Chardonnay 2016 is a pretty cool wine, it splits the difference between your typical California Chardonnay and a Chardonnay based Bubbly. It isn’t the best of both worlds, but in a world all its own and it’s a fun little world. When pairing with food, Bubbly goes with everything, even not so Bubbly lightly effervescent Chardonnay. I know it’s the wrong time of year, but the Clos du Bois would make a great wine to sip by the pool. And with the upcoming holidays the Clos du Bois Lightly Effervescent Chardonnay 2016 would be a great party pick, killing two birds with one stone, combining a light and breezy Chardonnay with Sparkling wine/Bubbly.