Wine with an interesting story to be told is always a great conversation just waiting to happen.

While walking through Wal-Mart, I spotted Toasted Head Chardonnay for $11.97 and I had a feeling there was a good story behind this name !

This Chardonnay comes from the Dunnigan Hill AVA in Yolo County, a little west of Napa in California. It’s warm climate provides for a nice even ripening, and resulted in aromas of toasted vanilla, peach and pineapple. The palate is very acidic and a bit creamy with hints of butterscotch, lemon and vanilla. This would be a perfect compliment to creamy pasta dishes, roasted chicken and white fish.

The name also comes with a great little story. As they state on their site, “Toasted Head is named for the age-old practice of toasting barrel heads …that imparts a mellow, toasted flavor to barrel-aged wines.”

And that fire breathing bear on the label? Its inspiration derives from artist Robert Shetterly which he drew for a poem called “Speaking Fire at Stones.”

Good wine and an interesting story is what I am all about

I have to admit, I’ve had better wines at even under ten bucks than this Chardonnay, but try this out for yourself and let me know what you think!

Cheers,

JustJess