Grgich Hills Chardonnay “Blue Beret”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- When Miljenko “Mike” Grgich was studying viticulture and enology in the 1950s at the University of Zagreb in Croatia, he didn’t have much money. When he accidentally left his umbrella on a streetcar, Mike couldn’t afford a new one. But, a French beret caught his eye. It would protect his head from the rain, and it could fold up into a pocket so he wouldn’t lose it.
- As the wine opens, a complex and rich mixture of bright fruit flavors emerge — citrus, white peach, melon, and star fruit — that dance harmoniously on the palate and lead to a long and balanced aftertaste.
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Elaboration: Blue Beret Chardonnay thrives in our American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Pablo Bay which spills into the San Francisco Bay. The cool maritime breezes and morning fog allow the grapes to slowly ripen to develop complex flavors while maintaining a pleasing natural acidity that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas. We farm our vineyards naturally, using the principles of regenerative agriculture, and they are certified organic.
Tasting Notes: This tropical, fruit-forward Chardonnay is reminiscent of fresh citrus, orange blossom, and white gooseberry followed by undertones of lime zest, dried herbs, and vanilla.
PRESS
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PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Vintners Hall of Fame inductee Miljenko “Mike” Grgich first earned world-wide recognition when the Chardonnay he crafted won the 1976 Paris Tasting, beating the best of France. This tasting helped shatter the myth that only French soil could produce the world’s greatest wines and drawing international attention to Napa Valley wines. Mike then partnered with Austin Hills to open their family-owned-and-operated winery in 1977.
Since 2003, Grgich Hill’s has produced wines that are 100% estate-grown and bottled. Grgich Hills is committed to natural winegrowing and sustainability, they farm their five estate vineyards without artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. They are all certified organic.
Grgich Hills Estate is deeply rooted in family. The winery was founded by two families, Grgich and Hills, joined together in the pursuit of creating the best wines in the world. Today, Mike’s daughter, Violet Grgich, is President and Ivo Jeramaz, Mike’s nephew, is Winemaker/VP of Vineyards & Production. Grgich Hills now welcomes a third generation to the winery – Maja Jeramaz, Mike’s grand-niece, and Justin Hills, Austin’s son.