Diora La Splendeur Du Soleil Chardonnay, crafted from the sun-kissed vineyards of Monterey, California, is a luxurious expression of elegance and depth. Named after the "golden splendor of the sun," this 100% Chardonnay showcases a radiant pale golden hue and an enticing aroma of tropical pineapple, ripe apricot, and toasted oak. Its medium-bodied palate delivers a luscious balance of crème brûlée, key lime, and white peach, enhanced by buttery notes from malolactic fermentation and 14 months of aging in French oak barrels. Perfectly harmonizing the rich fruit flavors with a creamy, velvety texture, this wine embodies sophistication, making it an exquisite choice for indulgent moments.
Process & Profile
This Chardonnay is rooted in the breathtaking terroirs of the San Bernabe Vineyard and the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey, California. Over 80% of the grapes are sourced from the San Bernabe Vineyard, where ancient sandy soils and warm days followed by cool, breezy afternoons foster a tropical flavor profile. The remaining grapes from the cooler Santa Lucia Highlands add vibrant citrus notes, creating a harmonious balance of richness and brightness.
The winemaking process is a labor of love. After being hand-picked at the peak of ripeness, the grapes undergo 100% barrel fermentation. Approximately 45% of the wine is aged in new French oak barrels for 14 months, undergoing both primary and secondary malolactic fermentation and regular lees stirring. These techniques enhance complexity, impart creamy textures, and infuse the wine with notes of toasted oak and warm vanilla.
Tasting Notes
Diora "La Splendeur Du Soleil" Chardonnay offers an indulgent sensory experience:
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Appearance: A beautiful pale golden hue, reminiscent of sunlit hills.
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Aromas: Tropical hints of pineapple mingle with toasted oak, ripe apricot, and crème brûlée.
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Flavors: On the palate, delicate crème brûlée transitions to refreshing notes of key lime, white peach, and soft marshmallow. A buttery, creamy mouthfeel rounds out the experience, enhanced by a touch of sea salt and toasted nuts.
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Finish: A long, luxurious finish that perfectly balances fruitiness, acidity, and oak.
What Makes It Special
What sets Diora "La Splendeur Du Soleil" apart is its meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail:
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Dedicated Winemaking: Head winemaker James Ewart has perfected the integration of barrel fermentation, malolactic fermentation, and lees stirring to achieve a wine layered with depth and complexity.
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Unique Terroir: The combination of the warm San Bernabe Vineyard and the cooler Santa Lucia Highlands creates a diverse flavor profile that highlights tropical and citrus notes.
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Luxury Aging: Aged in premium French oak barrels, the wine gains creamy textures and a rich vanilla backbone without overpowering the fruit.
How to Enjoy
Diora "La Splendeur Du Soleil" Chardonnay is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dining experiences:
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Food Pairings: Complement its richness with creamy pasta, buttery lobster, or roasted chicken. For lighter fare, pair it with grilled shrimp or summer salads to highlight its tropical vibrancy.
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Occasions: Perfect for celebratory meals, indulgent evenings, or as a luxurious centerpiece for gatherings.
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Serving Tips: Serve slightly chilled at 50–55°F (10–13°C) to bring out its full bouquet of aromas and flavors.
Diora Chardonnay "La Splendeur Du Soleil" is a wine that defines luxury and elegance in every glass. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a sumptuous meal, it promises a rich, unforgettable experience every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Diora Chardonnay La Splendeur Du Soleil?
This Chardonnay has a pale golden hue and offers tropical aromas of pineapple mingled with toasted oak, ripe apricot, crème brûlée, and pear. On the palate, it features delicate notes of key lime, white peach, and marshmallow, with a medium-bodied, creamy mouthfeel.
What regions contribute to the grapes in this wine?
Approximately 80% of the grapes are sourced from the San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey, California, while the remaining 20% come from the cooler Santa Lucia Highlands. The two regions contribute a combination of tropical and citrus fruit flavors due to their distinct climates and soils.
How is the wine aged?
Diora Chardonnay La Splendeur Du Soleil is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, with 45% new oak. This aging process contributes to its complexity, adding creamy and toasty notes with hints of vanilla and spice.
What makes this Chardonnay buttery and creamy?
The buttery, creamy texture and flavor come from malolactic fermentation (MLF), a process that converts tart malic acid into smooth lactic acid. Additionally, techniques like lees stirring enhance the wine's silkiness and depth.
What is the ideal serving temperature for this wine?
Oaked Chardonnays like Diora Chardonnay La Splendeur Du Soleil are best served at approximately 54°F (12°C) to allow their flavors and aromas to fully express themselves.
Can this wine be aged?
Yes, this oaked Chardonnay has the potential for aging. With proper storage, it can evolve in flavor and texture over 5–10 years, gradually developing richer, more complex characteristics.
What food pairs well with Diora Chardonnay La Splendeur Du Soleil?
The rich, tropical flavors and creamy texture make this wine an excellent match with dishes like lobster, roasted chicken, creamy pastas, or even mild cheeses like Brie and Camembert. Its versatility allows it to complement a variety of rich and flavorful foods.
What is the alcohol content of this wine?
Diora Chardonnay La Splendeur Du Soleil has an alcohol content of 14.5% by volume.
What types of oak are used in the aging process?
The wine is aged predominantly in French oak barrels. Damy Vosges long-toast barrels contribute to its length and toasty notes, while Cadus barrels add vanilla sweetness and depth to the wine.
What makes this Chardonnay unique?
Its unique blend of tropical and citrus fruit flavors, buttery texture, and complexity is achieved through careful sourcing of grapes from premium vineyards, detailed winemaking techniques, and extensive aging in French oak. This results in a distinctive wine that showcases both richness and elegance.
