Cursive Chardonnay

Cursive Chardonnay is a fruit-forward California white wine made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, bottled at 750ml with an ABV of approximately 13.5%. The 2018 vintage earned 85 points from Tastings.com, reflecting its clean, balanced character and approachable style.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13.5%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Style: Unoaked / Lightly Oaked Chardonnay  |  Producer: Cursive Wines

Production & Heritage

Cursive is a private-label wine brand that collaborates with established California wineries to produce its lineup. The Chardonnay is made using traditional winemaking techniques, including cool fermentation and lees stirring, which contribute to its moderate body and subtle creaminess without relying on heavy oak influence. The result is a wine that prioritizes fruit clarity and freshness over the rich, buttery profile common among many California Chardonnays.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Crisp green apple and ripe pear lead the nose, followed by light citrus and a hint of white blossom. The aromatic profile is clean and inviting without any heavy oak or toast character.

Taste: The palate opens with bright orchard fruit — apple and white pear — and moves into a moderate mid-palate with subtle creamy texture from lees contact. Lemon zest and balanced acidity keep the wine lively and prevent it from feeling heavy or flat.

Finish: Clean and refreshing, with lingering notes of citrus peel and crisp pear. The finish is moderate in length and leaves a pleasant, fruit-driven impression.

How to Drink Cursive Chardonnay

Serve chilled to around 45–50°F for the best expression of its fruit character and acidity. This Chardonnay drinks well on its own as a crisp aperitif. For a White Wine Spritzer, its clean fruit profile makes an ideal base with soda water and a citrus twist. In a Chardonnay Sangria, the apple and pear notes blend naturally with sliced stone fruit and a splash of elderflower liqueur. It also works in a French 75 variation, where its citrus brightness substitutes gracefully for the traditional dry white wine or champagne component.

Best For

• Casual weeknight dinners with roast chicken or light pasta
• Warm-weather entertaining on patios or at outdoor gatherings
• Introducing someone to unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay styles
• Stocking a versatile house white that pairs broadly with food

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cursive Chardonnay taste like? Cursive Chardonnay is a medium-bodied, fruit-forward white wine with dominant flavors of crisp apple, white pear, and lemon zest, supported by balanced acidity and a subtle creamy texture rather than heavy butter or oak.

How does Cursive Chardonnay compare to Josh Cellars Chardonnay? Both are approachable California Chardonnays positioned for everyday drinking, but Cursive leans toward a cleaner, less oaked profile, while Josh Cellars Chardonnay is typically aged in a mix of French and American oak, giving it a richer, more buttery character.

Is Cursive Chardonnay good for beginners? Yes — its bright fruit character, moderate body, and balanced acidity make it an accessible starting point for anyone exploring Chardonnay, especially those who prefer a fresher style over heavily oaked versions.

Where is Cursive Chardonnay made? Cursive Chardonnay is produced in California through collaborations with established wineries in the state. Specific vineyard and winery partner details are not publicly disclosed by the brand.

What foods pair well with Cursive Chardonnay? Roast or grilled chicken works well, as the wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the skin. Light cream-based pastas like fettuccine Alfredo complement the subtle creaminess. Fresh seafood such as shrimp or grilled white fish pairs naturally with the citrus notes. A simple green salad with goat cheese or a mild quiche also match the wine's clean, fruit-driven personality.

What sizes does Cursive Chardonnay come in? Cursive Chardonnay is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Cursive Chardonnay worth the price? Cursive Chardonnay positions itself firmly in the value tier of California Chardonnay, delivering clean fruit character and reliable consistency at an entry-level price point that competes well against other everyday white wines in its range.

Why Cursive Chardonnay?

In a California Chardonnay market crowded with heavily oaked, butter-bomb styles, Cursive stands out by committing to fruit clarity and balance. Cool fermentation and lees stirring give the wine enough texture to feel interesting without masking its core orchard fruit and citrus character. Its 85-point rating from Tastings.com supports its reputation as a dependable, well-made wine at an accessible price. For drinkers who want a straightforward, food-friendly Chardonnay without excess weight or oak, Cursive delivers exactly that.