US-based wine company 1000 Stories has expanded its spirits barrel-aged (SBA) wine category with the launch of with bourbon barrel-aged chardonnay.

Chardonnay is a white wine aged in bourbon barrels.

1000 Stories marketing director Rachel Newman said: “Like the red blend category before it, spirits barrel-aged wines have captivated consumers.

“In fact, if spirits barrel-aged wine was its own varietal, it would be the fastest-growing segment in the market today, outpacing all other top varietals combined, including Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc.

“1000 Stories has been a quality leader in this space from the outset and with this latest release continues to deliver an ever-expanding collection of bold and acclaimed offerings.”

The company said that its 2018 Chardonnay was crafted in batches by sourcing grapes from a range of vineyards in California including the cool-climate vineyards of Monterey County.

It adds that the expression offers bourbon accents of vanilla and dried herbs with a baked-apple richness of Chardonnay, layered over with thread of tropical and stone fruits.

The expression will be joining its other offering including Zinfandel, one of the world’s original bourbon barrel-aged wines, as well as other products such as Gold Rush Red and Prospectors’ Proof Cabernet Sauvignon.

1000 Stories Winemaker Bob Blue said: “This Chardonnay expanded our own sense of discovery around what is possible in terms of melding great quality fruit with the nuanced notes in our charred bourbon barrels.

“We seek balance in our approach to the bourbon barrels, integrating bourbon character into the blend without overshadowing the fruit profile. Ultimately, what we get in the glass is a generous, multi-dimensional wine that tells a great story.”

1000 Stories, aged in traditional French and American oak, was crafted by master winemaker Bob Blue from vineyards, including some of California’s most revered old-vine Zinfandel sites.

It is then finished in charred bourbon barrels to impart storied nuance and character to the wines.