![Kasyan Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2022](http://dedaluswine.com/cdn/shop/files/dsc_0342_20e1cbd2-ebb8-4aa6-9461-16f8e529ab86.png?v=1716487511&width=480)
Kasyan Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2022
In August’s Thirst Club, we’re drinking laid back wines with distinct personalities. What unites them is a classical styling with a sense of freshness and drinkability. One is an elegant, approachable Chardonnay from California’s cool climate Central Coast. The other, a Loire Valley red that rides the line between wild and traditional. Both show up beautifully at the table and make for great summer drinking.
Kasyan is an exclusive wine made just for Dedalus by Presqu’ile, one of the best winemakers on California’s Central Coast. The Murphy family and lead winemaker Dieter Cronje are known for their elegant Pinot Noir, but their Chardonnay is often overlooked. Classically styled, highly drinkable, this is a weeknight stunner.
Producer: Presqu’ile
Country: USA
Region: Central Coast
Grape: Chardonnay
Pear, green apple, toast, and sea salt
Then you should try: If you like this cooler climate Chardonnay with notes of green apple, you should try southern white Burgundies. Look for the names Mâcon and Mâcon-Villages. You should also explore other Chardonnay from producers on California’s Central Coast, which includes Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and San Benito.
- California is often thought of as warm climate, but the Central Coast has many cooler areas that are great for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
- Winemaker Dieter Cronje is originally from South Africa. His quest to make great Pinot Noir eventually led him to Santa Barbara and the Murphy family.
- California Chardonnay is known for being “buttery,” an effect of malolactic fermentation. The style has been somewhat abused, leading to a bad reputation and the slogan “Anything But Chardonnay.” We love California Chardonnay and the great winemakers who show its true potential.
Pair With: Dirty Martini Chicken Thighs
Adapted from Bon Appetit
2 lb. skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (4–6)
1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
12 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1¼ cups dry vermouth
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 5.5-oz. jar pitted Castelvetrano or other green olives, rinsed (about 1 cup), brine reserved (about ⅔ cup)
⅔ cup vodka, divided
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
Parsley leaves with tender stems and lemon wedges (optional; for serving)
Preparation
Step 1
Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 350°. Pat 2 lb. skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (4–6) dry with paper towels and sprinkle all over with 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper and 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt.
Step 2
Pour 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil into a cold large high-sided ovenproof skillet or short-sided pot over medium (you want the vessel to be at least 3½-qt. capacity; if you don’t have any of the preferred options, a medium Dutch oven will work). Arrange chicken thighs, skin side down, in pan and set over medium heat. Cook, undisturbed, rotating pan around on burner for even browning, until chicken is deep golden brown and releases easily from pan, 14–17 minutes. Transfer chicken thighs to a plate, arranging skin side up.
Step 3
Pour off all but 4 tsp. oil from pan; discard. Return pan to medium heat and cook 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced, stirring often, until just tender, about 4 minutes. Add 12 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour and stir to coat, then remove from heat (make sure pan is far away from the burner).
Step 4
Carefully pour in 1¼ cups dry vermouth, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, ⅔ cup olive brine, and ⅓ cup vodka. Place pan over medium-high heat and bring liquid to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is reduced by two thirds, 9–12 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest and remaining ⅓ cup vodka. Taste sauce and season with more salt if needed.
Step 5
Nestle chicken thighs, skin side up, into sauce. Scatter one 5.5-oz. jar pitted Castelvetrano or other green olives, rinsed (about 1 cup), over, allowing most of them to fall into the sauce. Bake, uncovered, until chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh registers 165°, 25–35 minutes.
Step 6
Remove pan from heat and scatter parsley leaves with tender stems over chicken and sauce. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over if desired.