GFF Chardonnay 2021
Classic Movie Pairing
The Black Stallion (1979)By the late 1930s, Preston Sturges had established himself as a writer of remarkable wit and sophistication. In this first directorial effort, he charts the unlikely rise and fall of a corrupt New York Governor (Brian Donlevy), an example of the comedic American social commentary for which Sturges became so well known. It’s a broadly entertaining film, as pleasing as the succulent flavors and fruit-forward aromas of this smooth Chardonnay.
THE WINE
Originally from Greece, the Kapiniaris family has brought four generations of winemaking expertise to their boutique estate in sunny California. This elegant Chardonnay bears the name GFF for the three men who crafted it: father Gus Kapiniaris (inset), his son Frank and head winemaker Franck Lambert. After selecting the best Chardonnay grapes from the estate’s Lodi vineyards, the team treated the wine to kid-glove care—leading to layers of ripe fruit flavor.
THE FAMILY
Gus Kapiniaris emigrated from Greece to Canada in 1959, before meeting his wife, Dimitra, and moving to California in 1966. He worked for several years as a machinist and later opened many successful restaurants. However, Gus’s true passion remained with winemaking, an art he learned from his father. In 1987, Gus purchased his first vineyard and achieved his dream. Today, he owns four vineyards (totaling 210 acres) and crafts world- class wines alongside his son.
THE REGION
Located about two hours from Napa, Lodi has a grape-growing tradition dating to 1850. While the region’s famed for its old-vine Zinfandel (celebrated at the annual ZinFest on Lake Lodi), it’s increasingly known for top-notch whites, too. Its warm summer climate is tempered by occasional morning fog, helping prolong the grapes’ ‘hang time’ on the vine for extra-concentrated flavors.
WITH FOOD
Take inspiration from the Kapiniaris family’s roots and pair their lovely Chardonnay with Greek dishes. It’ll shine alongside vegetarian options like hummus with tahini, spanakopita (a spinach and cheese pastry) or yemista me ryzi (baked stuffed vegetables). You could also enjoy this with oven-roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham or other tender white meats.
What's Not to Love?
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