Author: Dirk Chan
Every wine producing region seems to produce a Chardonnay these days it seems. Some are good and some can be pretty insipid. I look for the requisite pineapple, tropical fruits, guava, mangoes and some lemon notes. But more than that, I look for balance and terroir (go to France for this). Alas, some prefer creamy butter (then look to the US). There is a reason why Chards are popular, they’re easy to enjoy and easy to pronounce off a menu.
With so many styles, it is best to tell us what your preferred style is and we’ll be happy to pick one out for you in whatever price point you need. Pair with grilled chicken, hearty fish or a vegetarian lasagna.
In the meantime, here are a few good ones: (first, pictured left to right):
2016 d’Arenberg The Olive Grove Chardonnay (McLaren Vale, Australia) – $20.99
2014 Glen Carlou Quartz Stone Chardonnay (Paarl, South Africa) – $36.99
2016 Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay (California – Napa Valley, United States) – $58.99
2013 Etienne Sauzet Puligny Montrachet (Burgundy – Cote de Beaune, France) – $119.99
Other suggestions:
2015 Elderton Unwooded Chardonnay (South Australia) – $18.99
2011 Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Chardonnay (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $24.99
2015 Château de Fuisse Saint-Veran (Burgundy – Maconnais, France) – $31.99
2015 Planeta Chardonnay (Sicily, Italy) – $47.99
2014 William Fevre Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Cote Bouguerots (Chablis, France) – $139.99