Love is Wine

^{This post has been sponsored by Cupcake Vineyards. The following message is intended for those 21+. All opinions expressed are my own. Please enjoy responsibly.}

Netflix's Love is Blind is officially collaborating with Cupcake Vineyards to bring you Love is Wine Chardonnay. This represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration for the show and a one-of-a-kind opportunity for wine lovers everywhere. The wine was made available on February 1st, right in time for Valentine's Day.

Today we'll not only be tasting Love is Wine Chardonnay, we'll also be taking a look at the Livermore Valley wine region, where the chardonnay grapes for Love is Wine originates, and from there I'll be offering a variety of pairing suggestions.

So, without further delay, let's dive right in.

The Where - Livermore, California

Cupcake Vineyards - I just love that name! - is located in California's Livermore Valley, which is about 30 miles east of San Francisco. The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate shaped by its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the coastal mountains. These coastal mountains run parallel to the Pacific Ocean, forming a barrier that shields the valley from the ocean's cooling marine air. This results in the Livermore Valley experiencing warmer temperatures during the day compared to regions closer to the coast.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco Bay, located to the west of the Livermore Valley, graces the region with a cooling effect. During the day, warm air rises in the valley, creating a vacuum effect that draws in cool maritime air from the bay - a process known as the marine layer, which helps moderate temperatures overall.

In terms of soil, Livermore Valley is known for its diverse terroir, which includes a mix of deep, gravelly soils, clay loam, and decomposed granite. This terroir, combined with warm days and cool nights moderated by coastal breezes, creates ideal growing conditions for a variety of wine grapes.

If what I just described sounds like the ideal conditions Bordeaux-style grapes, then congrats, you know your stuff, as the Livermore Valley has always been renowned for its Bordeaux varietals. Of particular note is the area's Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, which thrive in the valley's gravelly soils and warm climate. Additionally, and more recently, Livermore Valley has gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, which benefit generously from the region's cool evenings and morning fog.

Overall, in true California winemaking tradition, Livermore Valley is best described as a place almost tailor made for the growing of superb grapes. The area, with its recent diversification in varietals, has proven to also be a vibrant and dynamic wine region, one that continues to garner attention for its quality wines and scenic vineyard landscapes.

The Review - Tasting and Aromatics

The wine greets with a pale straw color and golden hues. Off the top of the glass, the wine features ripe and lively citrus notes, punctuated throughout by green apple and oak essences. The influence of the area's coastal mountains and San Francisco Bay are on full display here, as this terroir makes for thoroughly ripened chardonnay grapes, which in turn lead to an excellent flavor and aromatic concentration. Deeper into the glass, on the second sampling, the citrus matures into rich tropical fruit notes.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with hints of vanilla followed by juicy melon. The citrus and green apple from the aromatics carry over beautifully, combining to create a very pleasant wine from start to finish.

The Pairing - What to Eat

Here are some of my top picks for what to pair with this particular Livermore Valley Chardonnay.

• Grilled Seafood: This chardonnay features a crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors, meaning it would pair deliciously with grilled seafood dishes such as lemon herb-marinated shrimp skewers, cedar-planked salmon, or grilled scallops with garlic butter.
• Creamy Pasta Dishes: The rich texture and subtle oak influence that typify Livermore Valley Chardonnay would perfectly complement creamy pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo, lobster macaroni and cheese, or butternut squash ravioli with sage cream sauce. Absolutely delicious.
• Roasted Chicken: Roasted or grilled chicken and chardonnay are something of a cliché, and with good reason. They're delicious together, and today's chardonnay is no different in that regard. Try serving this wine alongside chicken with lemon and herbs, or chicken grilled in garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, preferably with mixed root vegetables, for a delicious by-the-book pairing.
• Soft Cheeses: The balanced acidity that you'll find in any decent Livermore Valley Chardonnay, along with its creamy texture and faint oak notes, make it a great match for soft cheeses. Serve it alongside a cheese platter featuring Brie, Camembert, or triple cream cheese, along with fresh baguette slices and fruit compote.
• Lighter Meat Dishes: This chardonnay's medium body and refreshing acidity make it an excellent choice for lighter meat dishes. Serve it with roasted turkey breast, grilled pork chops, or lemon herb-marinated grilled chicken for a delicious pairing.

And that's our review for Love is Wine Chardonnay. If you enjoyed today's review, or if you've tried Love is Wine Chardonnay, let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you!

Cheers!