Whole Bunch Wines Guide to Chardonnay
It's the Whole Bunch Wines Guide to Chardonnay. Often, it is one of the world's most maligned grape varieties, but it is also the most planted and arguably, the most versatile.
We love the stuff and we want to teach you a bit more about this wonderful grape variety.
The Chardonnay Grape
The Chardonnay grape varieties success not doubt comes from the unbelievable versatility which it possesses. Often, grapes are really only suited to specific climates, or styles of wine. Well, with Chardonnay this is far from the case.
Chardonnay is a hugely acidic grape variety and this allows it to translate it to lip-puckeringly fresh wine still and sparkling wines, such as those of Burgundy and Champagne. However, that acidity means that it can stand up to really hot conditions and still retain balance. Yet, those more citrus heavy notes which you'll find in cooler climate, turn into riper notes of stone and tropical fruits.
Another example of the versatility from Chardonnay comes from how it is treated in the winery. Some grapes fair well with oak ageing, some grapes don't. Some benefit from lees ageing, some don't. Extended time in the bottle may dull certain wines, but some can withstand this. Chardonnay is capable of all of the above and more.
Chardonnay is a malleable grape variety, and whatever winemaking practices you put it through, it is generally going to stand up to it and take on the characteristics which the winemaker is seeking to impart. Yet, it is also going to retain balance and those varietal notes which are so desirable.
If you want a tart and fresh Chardonnay, then age it in stainless steel. If you want a really rich and buttery creation with texture, then let it sit on the lees and barrel ferment. Whatever you need Chardonnay to do, in the right hands, it will do it.
Where Is Chardonnay Grown?
In short, absolutely everywhere! Chardonnay really is a jet-setter than can be found in every basically every country that sells wine. However, some are more well known as homes for this global grape variety.
Burgundy is obviously the main one. In many ways, this is the ancestral and spiritual homeland of this grape variety. From the bracing Chablis wines, to the rich and decadent Cote d'Or. Here, the Chardonnay grape excels and shines in truly exceptional wines, but the price tag does reflect that fact!
Champagne is another place in which Chardonnay has reach rarified heights. It is the only permitted white grape variety in this world famous region, alongside the red grape varieties of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
From the new world, California has garnered much acclaim. It many ways it replicates the rich and buttery wines of Burgundy. Occasionally, even ramping up that rich buttery character even more!
Other honourable mentions should also go to South Africa, New Zealand and Australia in the new world, who can produce both the richer and more austere styles of Chardonnay. For the old world, Spain has made some excellent examples of still Chardonnay but it has become a staple in the production of Cava as well. Once more, Chardonnay is a fit for sparkling wine.
What Do We Stock...
Domaine de Montille Bourgogne Blanc [£47]
- Domaine de Montille is an historic part of this world-famous region. They trace their family history in Burgundy back to the 1730s. Sweet spices come from oak ageing, which comes with fresh fruit flavours of citrus, green apple, pear and white plum.
Champagne Tribaut Blanc de Blancs [£59]
- Next up, a Blanc de Blancs Champagne from Tribaut-Schloesser. This means it is 100% Chardonnay. Smooth and refreshing with concentrated flavours of toast, honey, brioche and citrus fruits.
El Coto 875m Chardonnay [£27]
- This white Rioja comes from the highest vineyards in Rioja, so expect freshness and acidity. It has a marked smoothness, along with notes of toast, vanilla, smoke and hazelnut. You'll also note that it retains acidity and ripe tropical and stone fruit flavours.
De Loach Heritage Chardonnay [£29]
- A thoroughly Burgundian expression of Chardonnay, from Californian producer De Loach. Oak ageing and MLF help to build in a luscious texture and creamy mouthfeel, as well as building in complexity. It is rich with well-balanced acidity on the palate.
Greywacke Chardonnay [£46]
- Kevin Judd’s Greywacke Chardonnay is an alluring combination of peaches and yellow grapefruit, with aromas of nougat, vanilla beans and marzipan. Savoury on the palate with great complexity, texture and concentration.
Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay [£48]
- A rich and buttery creation that just screams peach crumble and vanilla cheesecake. Yet, it also has a real kick of citrus that serves to balance out this truly decadent wine.
Don't Miss Out!
Make sure to check out our wine tastings and monthly wine club, if you want to try great wines like the ones mentioned in this blog post. Links below:
- Manchester Wine Tastings & Events
- Sauce Subscription (Monthly Wine Club)