- Last updated on March 13, 2023
Welcome! This is our Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay review.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is a renowned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California.
They are known for producing world-class wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.
The KARIA Chardonnay is one of their flagship white wines and is made from grapes sourced from the Carneros region, which is known for its cool climate and unique soils.
Find below our Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay full review along with our food pairings recommendations, serving tips, curiosity, and where you can buy it.
Let’s begin!
Our Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay Review
- Brand: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
- Grape Varietal: Chardonnay
- Region: United Stated, Napa Valley
- Tasting Notes: Citrus & Pineapple fruit notes
- Glass & Serving: Chardonnay / 45-50 °F (7-10 °C) / Don’t decant
- Store: Up to 3-5 Years
- Price Range: ~$40
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay review: What's its color?
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay has a brilliant golden color with a slight greenish hue.
When swirled, the wine forms a beautiful film on the glass, indicating its high quality.
If you want to know more about how to taste wine and the lingo that goes with it, check out this article: How To Taste Wine Like a Pro in 4 Steps.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay taste like?
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay is almost entirely made from Chardonnay grapes (99.5%) and aged 9 months on the lees in 34% new French oak barrels.
There’s a small percentage of 0.5% from Muscat Canelli grapes.
On the nose, it is complex and intense, with aromas of ripe tropical fruit, including pineapple, mango, and papaya, along with hints of vanilla and toasted oak.
There are also subtle notes of lemon and green apple that add to the wine’s complexity.
On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of lemon and green apple complemented by a touch of honey and caramel.
The wine has a creamy texture that coats the mouth, and a vibrant acidity that balances the richness of the fruit.
The wine has a long, satisfying finish, with a perfect balance of fruit and acidity.
Is Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay wine sweet?
No, it’s not sweet. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay wine is a dry wine.
A dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay review: Which food pairs well with it?
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay pairs well with a variety of dishes, including seafood, poultry, and creamy pasta dishes.
It is an excellent match for roasted chicken with herbs, seared scallops, and grilled shrimp.
The wine also pairs well with creamy pasta dishes, such as fettuccine Alfredo or risotto with mushrooms.
For vegetarians, the wine pairs well with roasted vegetable dishes or creamy vegetarian pasta dishes.
It is also a great match for mild cheeses, such as brie or camembert.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay review: What's its alcohol content?
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay wine’s alcohol content is 14.5%.
In case you wonder about alcohol content or more precisely Alcohol By Volume, i.e. ABV, measure the alcoholic strength of a drink.
There is a direct relationship between the sugar left in the wine after the alcoholic fermentation has taken place, i.e. Residual Sugar or RS, and ABV.
During alcoholic fermentation, the yeast transforms the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.
Grapes with high residual sugar will therefore produce dry wine with a high ABV.
How many calories are in a glass of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay wine?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture [1] a 5-ounce glass will contain about 120 to 130 calories.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. So a wine with high ABV will have a higher calories per glass than a wine with low ABV.
Furthermore, sugar contributes to the calorie count.
A dry wine will usually have 4 calories per grams vs a sweet wine that will have around 20 calories per grams of carbs, which include sugar.
Since this is an off-dry wine it will have a bit more than 4 calories per grams.
What is Stag's Leap Wine Cellars?
Here is an extract from the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars website:
“Our signature style has often been described as “an iron fist in a velvet glove,” a reference to the artful balance between ripeness and restraint, softness and structure, that yields Napa Valley wines of exceptional beauty and long life.
Achieving that style requires a level of attention to detail found only among the world’s best and most dedicated wine producers.”
Conclusion
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay is a beautifully crafted wine that showcases the unique terroir of the Carneros region.
The wine’s complex aromas and flavors are a testament to the skill of the winemaker and the quality of the grapes.
Its versatility in food pairings makes it an excellent choice for any meal, from casual to formal.
This wine is a must-try for any Chardonnay lover and is an excellent representation of the high-quality wines produced by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
Once you had it, we’d love to know your opinion, so reach out and let’s know what you think! Enjoy!
