The 2020 Tokyo Olympics finally kicked off, and despite the lowest ratings in 33 years, the event continues to dominate the news cycle with a barrage of stories about Covid safety, the sloppiness of USA Men's Basketball, and the withdrawal of several high-profile athletes (I think you know who we're talking about).
While the USA currently leads all medals, we are trailing China and Japan for coveted Gold. Which got us thinking about all the golden-hued wines stashed away at Vinohead HQ.
This week, we pay our respects and honor the 32nd edition of the Summer Olympics by drinking wines that shine bright on the podium with tinted gold rims. Here are 6 Gold Wines For Olympic Glory.
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01 2018 Bodegas Salentein Reserve Chardonnay
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Chardonnay from Uco Valley, AR 🇦🇷
winechateau.com | $20.95
Grown on vineyards in Argentina’s Uco Valley between 3,450 and 5,575 feet above sea level, the grapes hang a nice long time, enhancing that delicate balance beam between sugar and acidity. On the nose you’re lured in with aromas of lemon curd, pineapple, and just a hint of oak, fattiness and cream. The adventure continues on the sip with an absolutely unctuous body, dominant flavors of lemons and apples with flirtatious hints of tropical fruits, pastry, and cream all brought round and round by a beautifully vibrant acidity. Golden. 8.0
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02 2017 Calera "Mt. Harlan" Viognier
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Viognier from San Benito County, CA 🇺🇸
klwines.com | $21.95
Light gold with sweet honeycomb, lemon blossoms, and toasted almonds, the wine turns more into a tropical paradise than expected. The voluptuous Viognier nails the varietal spirit while also maintaining elegant freshness and airiness. The oily almond perfume kicks up as the temperature rises, and the mouthfeel delivers a plush major chord that reverberates with a salty and sweet citrus glaze on the finish. 8.0
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03 2018 Foxen "Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard" Chenin Blanc
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Chenin Blanc from Santa Maria Valley, CA 🇺🇸
klwines.com | $19.95
The suave guava and pungently juicy Granny Smith apples crisp, lift, and soar in this old vine Chenin Blanc from OG producer Foxen. It’s a wine that you don’t need to think too much about. Golden hues abound with some grainy salty sparks on the front, it envelopes into a round, lush, and fully packed juicebox of flavor. The elevated apple-pear tartness keeps everything in balance. Total crowd pleaser. 8.0
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04 2019 Optik "Bien Nacido Block I1" Chardonnay
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Chardonnay from Santa Maria Valley, CA 🇺🇸
klwines.com | $29.95
Almond, apricot, caramelized yellow fruits, and some sneaky white florals pump up the crowd and suggest a round creamy sensation. But what strikes the palate is an awesomely precise, flinty, salty, starstruck wine with minerality and a medium bodied threshold. Pale light gold straw color, with intense lemon-lime flavors and juicy persistence, this is a fun new project from the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard and talented winemaker Joey Tensley. 8.1
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05 2018 Cave de Lugny Macon Lugny Les Charmes
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Chardonnay from Maconnais, FR 🇫🇷
sherry-lehman.com | $19.95
The vineyards of the Cave de Lugny date back to the 18th century, and the co-op was officially the second in the Mâconnais region. Today, with more than 200 families involved, this co-op winery acts more like a tech incubator where winemakers collaborate, create, and innovate, upholding the traditions of the Bourgogne region while keeping an eye on the future through sustainable and organic practices. Here you’ll find only the fruity goodness and popping acidity (no oak) shining through in this rich and silky beauty. 8.2
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06 2016 El Vinculo Alejairen
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Airen from La Mancha, SP 🇪🇸
vivino.com | $28.99
Rustic and waxy and demanding of contemplation, this limited production white wine from Familia Fernández Rivera sees extended aging that results in major depth of character. On the nose, the nuttiness is evident, but then this Airén continues to go beyond with florals, yellow apples, and orange marmalade. The palate delivers the same with additional herbal notes and hints of citrus. It’s fairly weighty, comes in at 14% ABV, has a balanced acidity, and a seriously long finish. No hurdle jumping after this one. 8.4
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IF YOU DON'T KNOW, NOW YOU KNOW
California Gold Rush towns, most of which sit along California Highway 49, are inextricably linked to wine. Two popular destinations amongst the Sierra Foothills where wine tasting is still the main attraction is Fair Play and El Dorado. Both throwback towns stand as symbols of the Old West, with incredible outdoor activities like whitewater rafting and historic landmarks from an era panning for gold.
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