Chardonnay is a ubiquitous grape variety and its popularity is undeniable; it is grown all over the wine producing world and produces a huge array of styles and personalities depending on the region, climate and terroir, where it is grown. It will always be most commonly associated with Burgundy, but in the 1980s plantings quadrupled around the world and today over 500,000 acres of Chardonnay are planted around the world. Almost every country that produces wine, produces Chardonnay.
Chardonnay has gone through many trends and fashions over the years and right now wine lovers are increasingly looking outside of Burgundy for their quality Chardonnay fix due to a run of short vintages leading to reduced yields, less availability, and an increase in prices.
We have put together this case of extraordinary Chardonnays from around the world for you to explore this illustrious grape variety from outside its historic home. There really are some exceptional examples from great producers just waiting for you to discover.
Zuccardi Apelacion Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina
Since its conception in 1963, Zuccardi has been one of Argentina`s pioneering wineries. The Apelacion is a smooth, slightly creamy style with fragrant blossom aromas and fresh acidity.
Robert Oatley Chardonnay Signature Series Margaret River, Australia
From one of Australia`s best known and most reliable regions, this Margaret River Chardonnay utilises first-class fruit taken from a range of high-quality vineyard sites. Margaret River is well known for its ability to produce excellent Chardonnay and this wine from industry powerhouse Robert Oatley Vineyards is a great example. Medium-bodied, with lovely peach and nectarine flavours accompanied by a lifted citrus and a soft buttery character, all pinned down by fresh, bright acidity.
Camille de Labrie Chardonnay, Vin de France
Chardonnay is not a permitted grape variety in Bordeaux so this has to be designated as a `Vin de France`. However, don`t let that fool you as this is a superb white Bordeaux made by Chateau Croix de Labrie in St Emilion. Rich and round with a core of exotic fruit and integrated oak. This is well worth a try!
Origen Gran Reserva Chardonnay, Central Valley, Chile
Inviting nose of lemon and mango with underlying vanilla and toasted oak notes. Rich and rounded with excellent structure and weight balanced by clean acidity and purity of citrus and stone fruit.
DeLoach Heritage Reserve Chardonnay, California, USA
Gorgeous, textural biodynamic California Chardonnay from DeLoach, with sophisticated tropical flavours and orange citrus characters, all wrapped up with a highly appealing, nutty, creamy feel.
Kumeu River Village Chardonnay, Auckland, New Zealand
A great introduction to the Kumeu River range thanks to the combination of fermentation of 45% in old French oak barriques and 55% in stainless steel tanks, resulting in very little oak influence. In turn, this has allowed the vibrant fruit to show through beautifully and fuses with a flinty, mineral edginess that provides focus and direction. A great aperitif!
SHOP EXPLORING CHARDONNAY CASE
