By Dwight Casimere

Sourced from Sonoma County’s most select vineyards and meticulously crafted through cold fermentation and three months of stainless steel fermentation, Head High 2021 Sonoma County Chardonnay ($22), is a shining example of a winemaker’s passion.

Head High Chardonnay is a brilliant expression of artisan craftsmanship.

Winemaker Britt Richards describes the natural events that fostered the wine’s evolvement. “The long growing season created a stressful roller coaster of ripening. It allowed the vines to produce fruit bursting with flavor.”

Winemaker Richards took a minimalist approach to his 100% Chardonnay wine, in order to allow its natural fruit components to shine through.

Nothing was allowed to get in the way. No oak was used in its aging, and there was no malolactic fermentation in its initial stages. The result is a wine literally bursting with bright tropical fruit and floral notes that lingers long on the palate.

Food pairings are endless with this fresh, young Chardonnay. Perfect for spring and summer, it lends itself to salads, fruit and cheese combo platters, seafood, and any number of chicken dishes.

I created a combination of what is essentially a warm pasta salad that combines elements of Primavera with a Seafood and chicken ‘Misto’ (mixture) served with Penne Pasta (I prefer Penne, as it seems to stay firm or ‘al dente’, even if you let it linger in the pan for longer than recommended).

After sautéing thin lemon slices in butter and olive oil along with minced shallots and garlic and generous smatterings of fresh thyme or oregano and lemon pepper and Sea Salt, I added some Tiger Shrimp (I prefer to leave the shells on for added flavor. They’re easy to peel at table with the point of a steak knife and a salad fork as tools). A handful of tiny bay scallops and a few chunks of rotisserie chicken gives it added body.

Some asparagus spear tips, a handful of tiny English peas and some halved cherry tomatoes provide color and additional substance. Add a splash of the wine and whisk it in at the last moment for added depth of flavor.

Sprinkled with some American Padano or Parmesan Cheese along with a glass of Head High 2021 Sonoma County Chardonnay, and you have a springtime meal of the highest order! For more on Head High wines, visit headhighwines.com.