WANCHA (GRAPE WINE) CHARDONNAY

Grapes from a California Certified Sustainable Vineyard in Lake County (Bartolucci Vineyards) is used to make this bright and lively 2017 Chardonnay. Not a traditional buttery and oaked California Chardonnay.

Aroma: Subtly minerality and allspice

Taste: Green apple and vanilla

Finish: Long Acid Finishing

Wancha ዋንጫ means ‘horn cup’ and ‘winner’s trophy’ in the Amharic language. Wanchas are still in use in modern Ethiopia for serving non-t’ej drinks (a berelé is used for t’ej honey wine).

The background of the label is a close-up photo of a horn. Horn cups are the oldest drinking vessel – much like honey wine is the 1st fermented beverage – and popularized by the Vikings.

While Ethiopia is known for honey wine, there is also a rich artisanal, non-domesticated, grape wine tradition dating back centuries as a refreshment, and beginning in the 4th Century, for use in Holy Communion.

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