The Elliot Cooper California Chardonnay is a non-vintage $10 Aldi exclusive. Aldi owns the brand name, but a subsidiary of Trinchero Family Wine and Spirits produced the wine.
The Story
Aldi tends to own the brand names in case the need to change the producer arises. A popular product can continue and have several producers over the life of the brand.
Trinchero Wines have been used for store brands (Aldi, Trader Joe’s) in increasing numbers. It is lucrative for a winery to make store brand wines, but it is not easy to always easy to meet a price point.
The Elliot Cooper California Chardonnay is a non-vintage wine. Wine is typically non-vintage to keep a wine consistent over the years. That does not apply here. Using different vintages can be more economical. A $10 Aldi wine is thought to be an equal to a $13 to $15 wine. An obvious reason for the non-vintage designation is not apparent.
California, on the label, shows that the grapes were sourced from at least two of the Central Coast, the North Coast, Clarksburg, or Lodi.
The back label mentions tasting notes that would suggest oak barrel conditioning.
The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The Elliot Cooper California Chardonnay Tasting Notes
The color is glistening wheat yellow. The nose is crisp apple, smooth butter, a hint of honey, peach, pear, and lemon, with a light floral edge. The Elliot Cooper California Chardonnay is sleek and smooth, with good flavor.
This Chardonnay tastes like apple, stone fruit, lemon curd, a slap of spice, dried pineapple bits, and a hint of tropical fruit.
The acidity is well-managed, and this non-vintage ten-buck wine has decent length.
The Summary
- The Elliot Cooper California Chardonnay drinks far above its details.
- This wine delivers for the money.
