Carneros, just north of the San Francisco Bay, includes parts of both Napa and Sonoma and is one of the most well-regarded wine regions of California, especially for white wines. Its hills and cooling breezes from the Bay mean grapes mature slowly and evenly throughout the California summer, giving them flavor and freshness; hotter weather can make white wines seem fat and flabby.
Topian has exploited Carneros' virtues to make its Chardonnay, which explodes with the tropical fruit flavors that you expect from a Californian Chardonnay. Aging in oak barrels has added some vanilla scents, but pineapple, lime, and mango aromas remain dominant. This is a great wine for summer, full-bodied enough to feel voluptuous in the mouth, but still refreshing and not overbearing.
A full-flavored white wine like the Topian Chardonnay goes great with chicken and even lighter preparations of red meat, but richer fish like tuna or salmon may be its best pairing.
