Darioush 2018 Signature Series Chardonnay

Pairs with: Pasta with brown butter and Parmesan

Good for: Remembering there's more to Napa than Cabs!

Grape: Chardonnay

I am from: Napa Valley, California

The Story: Persian-born Darioush Khaledi’s life story has inspired the creation of Darioush and continues to shape it today. Darioush is a man dedicated to wine and the ideals of the American dream – a deeply rooted belief in individualism and opportunity. Born and raised in Iran, trained as a civil engineer, and a lifelong entrepreneur, his fascination with wine was instilled at an early age by his father’s winemaking efforts and the cultural history of winemaking in Shiraz.

Darioush emigrated to the US seeking opportunity, reinventing his career by building what became at one point the largest family-owned grocery business in California through determination, experimentation and a commitment to pursue opportunities others overlook. Together with his wife Shahpar, he founded Darioush in 1998, and set out to produce wines that celebrate individualism and craftsmanship. The winery is Darioush’s realization of his American dream.

Why You'll Love Me: Showing remarkable harmony and balance, this wine reels you in with alluring aromatics -- Honeycrisp apple and Bosc pear flavors are followed by clean, bright layers of fleshy citrus and stony minerality. A combination of French oak fermentation and sur-lie aging lends additional complexity with hints of baking spice, toasted brioche, and hazelnuts; while gentle racking preserves the wine’s integrity and nuance without fining or filtration.