The Fortunati Chardonnay is a full-flavored, rich and powerful wine that delivers on the buttery/creamy qualities but not the oak. (100% malolactic, aged on its lees in neutral oak.) Fresh pineapple, Meyer lemon, pear and green apple are tossed in melted butter and blonde caramel. Tingling acidity goes toe-to-toe with the richness. Very impressive!
About Fortunati
Gary and Ellen Luchtel planted Fortunati Vineyards in the early 2000s and launched the brand a few years later. Most of their wines are estate fruit from their 10+ acres in the Oak Knoll District (everything except Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel). Gary is a self-taught winemaker, graduating from home-winemaking when he started Surh-Luchtel Cellars in the 1990s. Fortunati is 100% Direct to Consumer. If you visit and taste with Gary and/or Ellen, you will undoubtedly walk away with a case or two of their small production wines. Check out all the Fortunati Wines we recommend here.
The name Fortunati is derived from a combination of Ellen’s Italian heritage and Gary’s nick name, Lucky.