Enter Allora Winery into your GPS when in wine country and it will take you down a long gravel path into the driveway of a beautiful white private home. The GPS say’s “you have arrived.” My friend and I are saying to each other “where?” Well, you have arrived at one of the most welcoming, warm and friendly tasting rooms in Napa Valley.
Allora Wine Tasting Room
I first did a tasting at Allora back in 2015 with my friend Kathryn. Hours of laughing and tasting wines in their private wine cellar later and I was a member of this wonderful, exclusive, small batch winery. Allora is so much more than just outstanding wines, it is about feeling part of something very special.
I introduced my friend Lauren to their velvety, rich Tresca Cabernet and she was equally hooked, claiming “this is quite possibly the best Cabernet I have ever tasted!” So, when we were in Napa last month a demand (not a request) was made to visit.
Three of us arrived at 11am on a Thursday morning and the daughter of the owner, the charming, smart and funny Cortney met us at the driveway to start our tour. After talking about their vineyards, we entered the cellars into the tasting room. An 11am treat was in store.
Just about to go into our tasting
I was going back through my wine reviews and I have been completely remiss in writing about Allora. Shame on me! As an excuse, I think it is because I am too enthralled by the wines, I must forget to write a review. Well, not this time.
Our wine tasting brought with it a rare treat… the only white wine that Allora makes, The Lieta 2016 100% Chardonnay. Read the back of the wine bottle and it shares with you ‘Lieta’ is the Italian word for glad. It is a reminder of the gladness wine brings to our heart. Don’t you just love that? Even more importantly for me, it is true. This light, stone fruit wine brought gladness to my early evening patio drinking.
Allora Lieta 2016
No Chardonnay-typical pungent aroma, this wine is light on the nose with mild hints of peach and apricot. The first sip is heavenly on a warm day with tastes of fresh apricot, mild tangerine and just touch of light, melted butter. There is no headiness only lightness to this summer joyful wine. It reminds me more of a French rather than a California Chardonnay, which tend to be on the fuller body, oaky and heavy butter side. The Lieta is a fantastic summer wine.
This wine paired brilliantly well with a Sun Basket favorite dish… Lettuce Wrapped Turkey Burgers with basil mayo and warm peach salad. A great light wine with a delicious light dinner on a warm Summer night. Perfect!
Lettuce Wrapped Turkey Burgers
Allora wines are a higher price point and totally worth the treat. The Lieta is $55.
My rating…
