Love it or hate it, it will always be regarded as the Queen of the white grapes.
We all know someone that says, “I don’t like Chardonnay, I’ll have a glass of Chablis!” During the 80’s Chardonnay took a huge hit on its reputation, after cost-cutting wine makers found that they could improvise oak ageing by using large wooden slats in steel tanks to represent an oaked finish. This method produced a rather unpleasant completely unbalanced style, which was sold off cheaply. The UK market disliked it greatly but as it was so cheap it was a huge success globally (funny that!).
It is the white grape of Champagne and is the grape that fetches the highest prices for some of the finest wines produced in Burgundy, France. Chardonnay is amazingly versatile, it works with or without oak, it can be blended with other varietals, it can be aged, it can even be drunk fresh out of the tank.
Chardonnay can be enjoyed with rich foods such as Lobster and Quail, yet it is still the world’s most popular aperitif. Due to its versatility, it is often difficult to know if you’re going to like it not.
This varietal case showcases many different Chardonnay styles in 6 great wines including a Champagne – all for under £100!
NV Brut Baron De Marck Gobillard, Champagne, France
Stylish Blanc de Blancs, or pure Chardonnay, Champagne, with notes of apples and lemons and an uplifting waft of freshly baked brioche.
2019 Family Collection Leontine Chardonnay, Mount Pleasant, Australia
Named after Maurice O'Shea's mother, the Leontine Chardonnay is a modern expression of a classic variety. Vivacious, complex and elegant, this wine is a fitting tribute to an exceptional woman.
2019 Chardonnay Reserva, Vina Leyda, Leyda Valley, Chile
As a tribute to the varietal pureness, this is a fruit driven style and unoaked Chardonnay. It has ripe citrus and semitropical hints of kiwi and it has a sweet texture, balanced with a juicy finish.
2016 Chardonnay Organic, Seresin Estate, Marlborough, New Zealand
Elegant Chardonnay, layered like pastry, with scents of brioche and a juicy mouthful of white peach and nectarine.
2018 Chablis, Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy, France
Well balanced Chablis, herbaceous on the nose, fresh-washed with citrus, lemon and grapefruit in the mouth, all emphasised by a sprinkling of salt. A lovely long lasting finish.
2017 Chardonnay, Cannonball, California, USA
Zippy Californian Chardonnay, a mouthful of pineapple and ripe peach with a dollop of lemon curd. Delicious.
