Jeff – Wine Specialist, Sherman Oaks

Averaen Willamette Valley Chardonnay is a lot of wine for under twenty bucks.

Averaen produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, a cool-climate region well-known for these two varietals. They are proponents of sustainable farming and hands-off winemaking, opting for native yeasts and mostly neutral oak. Two-thirds of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, with 10% aged in new oak, 10% in stainless steel, and the remaining 80% in neutral oak.

On the palate, it beautifully balances a crisp, fresh minerality with a surprisingly rich, medium-light body. It delivers tons of flavor, featuring notes of pineapple, jasmine, and citrus alongside a hint of vanillaall perfectly supported by the partial “ML” and that touch of new oak.

It would pair perfectly with white fish (even fish tacos), lemon-herbed chicken, light cheeses, and light vegetables.

Ultimately, this is a beautiful Chardonnay that is incredibly hard to beat at this price point.