International Chardonnay Day is celebrated annually, providing an opportunity to appreciate and explore the world’s most popular white wine grape variety. This year, it falls on May 23rd.
Chardonnay is a versatile grape that can produce a wide range of wine styles, from crisp and unoaked to rich and oaky. Its ability to reflect the terroir and winemaking techniques makes it a favourite among winemakers and wine enthusiasts alike.
The origins of Chardonnay can be traced back to the Burgundy region of France, where it has been cultivated for centuries. However, it has since spread to nearly every wine-producing region globally, adapting to diverse climates and soils.
New Zealand, for instance, has gained recognition for its distinctive Chardonnay styles, ranging from fruit-driven and unoaked to complex and oak-influenced. In Oregon, winemakers have drawn inspiration from various regions, including Burgundy and New Zealand, to develop their unique expressions of Chardonnay. The state’s terroir, combined with global influences, has contributed to the growing popularity of Oregon Chardonnay.
Australia, too, has embraced Chardonnay, with producers crafting styles that strike a balance between the classic rich, buttery notes and the leaner, citrusy profile.
On International Chardonnay Day, wine enthusiasts worldwide are encouraged to explore the diversity of Chardonnay by tasting different expressions from various regions. Whether hosting a blind tasting with friends or simply enjoying a glass with a meal, it’s an opportunity to appreciate the nuances and complexities of this noble grape…
Some Chardonnay to try:
Edouard Delaunay Septembre Chardonnay 2020
This exquisite Chardonnay hails from the skilled Edouard Delaunay, a renowned winery specialising in the prestigious Hautes Côtes de Nuit region. Tracing its roots back to 1893, the estate has been meticulously nurtured by generations of the Delaunay family, with the current owner, Laurent Delaunay, carrying on the legacy.
Crafted with utmost precision, 65% of the blend undergoes vinification in the traditional style of great white Burgundies, barrel-aged to perfection, while the remaining portion is fermented in steel tanks, preserving its vibrant essence.
On the nose, a harmonious bouquet of citrus, lemon, and orange blossom aromas mingles with hints of barley sugar and white chocolate, tantalising the senses. The palate unfolds with notes of melted butter, frangipane, and hazelnut, creating a symphony of flavours that lingers delightfully. It makes for an excellent accompaniment to a leisurely brunch, and would complement the rich flavours of an eggs benedict dish, making it a truly indulgent experience.
Domaine de la Métairie d’Alon Chardonnay Village 2022 (organic)
In the heart of the Languedoc region, where the terroir whispers tales of sun-drenched vineyards and ancient winemaking traditions, lies the Domaine de la Métairie d’Alon.
The Chardonnay from this esteemed domaine is a masterpiece of balance and complexity, a testament to the skilled hands that craft it. Seventy-five percent of the cuvée is aged on lees for eight months, imparting a luxurious texture that caresses the palate. Meanwhile, twenty percent of the final blend undergoes malolactic fermentation, adding depth and nuance to the wine’s character.
As the pale gold liquid swirls in the glass, it beckons with an alluring bouquet of ripe peach, zesty lemon, fresh banana, and delectable pastry notes reminiscent of a lemon tart straight from the oven. The palate unfurls with discreet woody notes, hazelnut, and dried banana, creating a harmonious symphony of flavours.
While this Chardonnay is undoubtedly a delight on its own, it truly shines when paired with the right culinary companion. Imagine a juicy steak béarnaise, the rich sauce complementing the wine’s creamy texture and subtle nutty notes. Or perhaps a plate of fresh seafood, where the wine’s vibrant acidity and citrus notes would provide a refreshing counterpoint to the delicate flavors of the ocean.
Abbotts & Delaunay, Les Fruits Sauvages, Pays d’Oc, Chardonnay 2021
Hailing from a boutique winery in the Languedoc, now under the sole ownership of the 5th generation Burgundian winemaker and Languedoc specialist, Laurent Delaunay, it is Crafted from a harmonious blend of grapes sourced from four distinct regions. Limoux, the Aude Valley, the Hérault plain, and the slopes of the Cévennes mountains.
Upon uncorking, the aromas of ripe pear and crisp green apple tease the senses, mingling with subtle hints of hazelnut and delicate white floral notes. As the wine dances across the palate, a buttery richness unfolds, lingering on the long, velvety finish, leaving an indelible impression of elegance and refinement.
This Chardonnay from Abbotts & Delaunay is a versatile companion, perfectly complementing simple yet delectable fish dishes. Imagine pairing it with succulent salmon fishcakes or a comforting fish pie – the wine’s vibrant acidity and nuanced flavours will elevate the dining experience, creating a harmonious marriage of flavours that will leave you craving for more.
