The bald eagle, a symbol of the United States, is a raptor that resides only on the North American continent. With a wingspan exceeding 2 meters and possessing sharp eyesight and excellent hunting abilities, it is a top predator with few natural enemies. Its lifespan can reach 20 to 30 years, and there are records of individuals surviving up to 38 years in the wild. Once a territory is established, it fiercely defends it for decades, exhibiting a tendency to relentlessly drive away intruders.
The United States adopted the bald eagle as its national bird in 1782. Its strong wings, keen gaze, and majestic flight are symbols of freedom and independence. There was controversy, however. Benjamin Franklin, one of the 'Founding Fathers' of the United States, reportedly assessed in a private letter that the bald eagle is "lazy and morally questionable." Nonetheless, the bald eagle has established itself as a symbol of the new nation's spirit and pride. It continues to serve as a crucial emblem in the presidential seal, the dome decoration of the Capitol, and the insignia of the Ministry of National Defense and federal agencies.
This symbol has also been carried over into a wine brand. That brand is "The Federalist." Produced by the Terlato Wine Group, this brand originally featured the portraits of figures like Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln on its labels, honoring the pioneering spirit that formed the foundation of the United States. Notably, Benjamin Franklin was said to be a wine enthusiast. He reportedly said, "Wine is evidence that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
"The Federalist Chardonnay" is one of the brand's flagship works. This wine is made from Chardonnay grapes harvested in California's Lodi region. The Federalist has previously used grapes from various regions like Sonoma and Mendocino, but now focuses exclusively on Lodi. Lodi's Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers, but large day-night temperature variations help prevent the grapes from over-ripening, maintaining acidity and balance. These climatic conditions are optimal for producing Chardonnay that is rich in fruit aromas and texture.
The winemaking process is also delicate. After completing primary fermentation, malolactic fermentation is conducted while stirring the yeast lees to add texture to the wine. About 35% of the oak barrels used for aging are a blend of American, French, or Hungarian oak. This imparts sweet nuances like vanilla and coconut, along with subtle spicy notes and structure. The remaining barrels are used to enhance the inherent fruit flavors.
The initial taste brings fresh notes of green apple and lemon tart, followed by vanilla cream and subtle spices. In the mouth, tropical fruit flavors blend with a creamy texture, leaving a soft finish of vanilla and coconut. The balance between freshness and richness showcases the sensuality unique to American Chardonnay. It pairs well with cream pasta, grilled mackerel dishes, roasted chicken, and cream cheese.
The Federalist gained recognition as the wine gifted by Jin, a member of the Korean boy band BTS, to chef Lee Yeon-bok. The Federalist Chardonnay received a rating of 90 points from wine enthusiasts and won the grand prize in the New World White Wine category at the 2025 Korea Wine & Spirits Awards. The local importer is Ayoung FBC.