When it comes to wine, there is no greater Queen than Chardonnay herself. From Grand Cru vineyards in France to almost every other place around the world, Chardonnay is planted in many wine regions and is loved by enthusiasts around the globe. When it comes to the family tree, genetic grape studies have found that Chardonnay came to be from a crossing of Pinot Gris and Gouais Blanc two very ancient and old grape varieties – Aside from having historic parents Chardonnay also has Gamay and Aligoté as official siblings.
May 25th is Chardonnay Day and to show the Queen of Grapes herself some respect dive into her mystery and splendour. Discover the various styles, textures and flavours that each glass brings to the table. Full of good taste, magic, fascination and diversity, Chardonnay is one grape that you can consistently explore, enjoy and collect.
Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay
Located in the picturesque Drakenstein Valley, Boschendal is the second oldest South African Winery with a history spanning three centuries. Boschendal (Dutch for bush and dale) produces high-quality, sustainable wines that embody the best of South African Winelands. Hailing from a cooler climate area perfect for premium wine growing Boschendal crafts wines with character and finesse.
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The winery also has a very strong commitment to biodiversity and regenerative farming practices. In fact, the winery is one of 38 Conservation Champion wineries in South Africa. 1865 Chardonnay finishes its ferment in French oak barrels and is matured for a further 10 months in barrel on lees. 12% of the wine goes into first-fill and the balance in second-, third- and fourth-fill barrels. During this time, the barrels underwent monthly bâtonnage (stirring of the lees) to enhance the mouthfeel and texture of the wine. The final blend consisted of 70% oak-fermented and matured and 30% stainless steel fermented Chardonnay. The latter component was also left on the primary lees for the full 10-month period. A dynamite and versatile Chardonnay has notes of citrus and pear, light vanilla and spice. A wonderful wine, worth sharing and savouring from South Africa!
Joseph Drouhin Chablis Drouhin-Vaudon
The Joseph Drouhin family history in Burgundy has been driven by passion and inspired by dreams for over 140 years. The talented Véronique Drouhin crafts wines that exemplify true elegance and finesse. An exceptional estate stretching from Mâcon to Chablis in Burgundy France, Joseph Drouhin has now been organic for more than 30 years. A spectacular example of Chablis and a truly wonderful wine to sip and share with friends over an incredible dinner party.
Bonterra Organic Chardonnay
A true dynamite chardonnay and 100% organic from a truly outstanding California producer. Bonterra Organic Chardonnay has been a favourite on my chardonnay list year after year. America’s #1 organic winery, Bonterra farms with a regenerative philosophy and their wines truly give off an energy that is unique. Bonterra – means ‘good earth’ and this wine is seriously good juice! A must-try for any Chardonnay lover!
Flat Rock Good Kharma Chardonnay
Flat Rock Cellars is a certified sustainable Ontario Winery (one of only 12) producing award wines that I’ve cherished for over a decade. Good Kharma Chardonnay is produced with a ‘good deed’ in mind and produced in a five-level gravity-flow production facility by winemaker Dave Sheppard – who was named Winemaker of the Year at the 2021 Ontario Wine Awards. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this wine support Feed Ontario making this wine both a taste-good and feel-good decision.
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Villa Maria Private Bin Chardonnay East Coast
Made from vines that grow on the other side of the world, where the sun hits the planet first, Villa Maria wines are sustainable and undeniably delicious. Fresh, lively and textured Villa Maria Private Bin Chardonnay is a great addition to your wine rack for the summer months, a fantastic pairing with an Instagram-worthy cheese board and a wonderful way to expand your love for New Zealand.
Catena High Mountain Vines Chardonnay
A sustainable wine produced by superstar fourth-generation vintner Dr. Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. This Chardonnay is produced from vines grown at higher elevations in the mountains. Vines need to search for water and the resulting juice is more complex on the palate. Winemaking is completed with precision and with the wines undergoing Whole cluster pressing, fermentation sur lies with wild yeast fermentation. The wine spends 6 to 8 months in French oak and the barrel selection uses a selection of first, second and third-use barrels with 40% does not undergo malolactic fermentation. The result is an Argentine wine you will simply never forget with a palate that is complex and approachable with notes of citrus and floral and a texture and weight that is versatile for pairing.
All photos courtesy of LCBO