About a year ago, I was hosting a tasting at Total Wine in Naples, FL, on a lively Friday night. The crowd was lighter than usual — a rare treat — which meant I could wander between the bottles, chat with guests, and sneak in a few sips of my own at a relaxed pace. Three wines were featured at the bar that evening: one elegant white, Amici Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and two intriguing reds. As always, I start with the white, saving the reds for the finale.
The moment I lifted the glass of Amici Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, I knew I was in for something special. The wine glided across my palate with creamy richness, layered with tropical fruit, soft poached pear, and a whisper of warm baking spices. Just as those flavors settled, a subtle burnt‑oak finish tied everything together like the perfect closing note in a song. It was love at first sip — a wine that didn’t just taste beautiful but felt unforgettable.
The Story
Amici was founded in 1990 by a group of friends — “amici” — who set out to create small‑production wines from Napa Valley that they themselves enjoyed. Their wines became so successful that the group quickly expanded their vision, determined to craft exceptional bottles they could share with the public.
And the story behind the wine makes it even more special. Amici’s talented team includes veteran winemaker Tony Biagi — a Napa Valley legend with more than 25 years of experience — and Jesse Fox, a rising star known for his vibrant, true‑to‑varietal style. Together, they’ve built lasting relationships with top growers, creating wines that reflect not only the vineyard’s soil and climate, but also the passion of the people who tend them. That’s what makes Amici so remarkable: it’s not just a wine, but a snapshot of place, time, and artistry poured into your glass.
Pairing
The Amici Chardonnay shines alongside dishes with rich textures and layered flavors, thanks to the depth added by its oak aging. It pairs beautifully with lightly smoked or grilled foods, as well as dishes that echo oak’s signature notes of toast, vanilla, and warm spices.
With its fuller body and luxurious richness, this Chardonnay is a natural match for heartier meals — think herb‑roasted chicken, pasta in a velvety cream sauce, or buttery favorites like crab legs and corn on the cob. It also complements grilled classics such as pork tenderloin, shrimp, fish, and nearly any seafood touched by the flames.
Each pairing highlights the wine’s balance of elegance and power, creating a dining experience that lingers long after the last sip.
What to Pair with Amici Chardonnay: Grilled Tilapia Is a Perfect Match
Grilled Tilapia
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard, or to taste
- garlic powder, or to taste
- 4 (4 ounce) fillets tilapia
- cooking spray
- Directions
- Mix olive oil, lemon pepper, cumin, paprika, dried mustard, and garlic powder together in a small bowl. Brush each tilapia fillet with mixture using a pastry brush. Flip; brush other side. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate.
- Spray a large piece of foil with cooking spray and place on the grill. Transfer tilapia onto the foil.
- Cook fillets on the preheated grill until they’re easily flaked with a fork, about 5 minutes.
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