The Spotlight series of wines aims to focus attention on the unique grape growing region of California’s Central Coast, the fastest-growing wine market in the United States, and arguably one of the very best, especially for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The unique geography of the mountains and hills in the area between Monterey and Santa Barbara, Calif., has the effect of channeling the winds off the Pacific Ocean right into the vineyards. The resulting complexity and flavors of the wines are like no other. Both of these wines are a direct result of Hannaford wine expert Tom Hansen’s recent trip to the Central Coast, where he worked with winemaker Alison Crowe to produce the resulting wines. He hopes you love them as much as he does!

Spotlight Chardonnay offers intense flavors of pear and apple fruit along with floral aromas of acacia and honeysuckle. This is a delicious wine to drink — fresh and lively on the palate, with complex mineral notes and a vibrant, lingering finish.

Spotlight Merlot benefits from the Central Coast’s long, cool growing season to develop satisfying flavors of bright cherry fruit and ripe blackcurrants enveloped in a smooth vanilla mouth feel. Complex hints of mint and chocolate add to a long, velvety finish.