2020 Clos Solène En Coulisse Chardonnay

Clos Solène’s origin story is about as charming and romantic as it gets. The estate was founded in 2007 by a young French winemaker who wooed his French girlfriend with a plane ticket from France to Paso Robles and marriage proposal. Guillaume Fabre was born in Narbonne in Southwest France and comes from a family of winemakers. He worked in Bordeaux before a trip to California’s Central Coast convinced him that he’d found his new home. Fabre worked at L’Aventure in Paso Robles then brought his Solène for a visit. They had met years earlier while she was completing studies to be teacher of Spanish language and culture. Guillaume started making a few barrels of his Rhone-style wines in 2007 and by 2014 he felt confident enough in his label – which he named after his wife – to quit his job at L’Aventure and devote himself full time to Clos Solène. Fabre sources grapes from 16 vineyards in the region and produces small amounts of Syrah, Syrah-based blends, Bordeaux blends, Grenache-based blends, and Roussanne/Viognier blends. Reviews have given the wines ratings in the mid to high 90s, and noted that Fabre is one of the region’s most promising young talents.

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.