Can’t Get Away from Chardonnay
It’s the grape I love to hate, yet each year I find myself liking more and more of them. It’s a dichotomy I have to live with. I declare that I am an ABCer (Anything But Chardonnay) yet I know I’m going to score at least a dozen every year as amazing.
Chardonnay is one of those wines in which most people know what they don’t like; but can’t quite put their finger on what it is they do like: is it the butter, the vanilla, the peach, the apple or is it something undefinable? But you know it when you taste it.
For parties and gift giving Chardonnay is the safest bet … it’s well known and when you hear your hosts are “white wine drinkers” it’s easy to gravitate towards it.
It’s easily recognizable yet hard to get a handle on – check out these Chardonnays that have crossed my radar over the past 3 months … I just know this list will grow as the year progresses.
Leaning Post 2012 Chardonnay (Ontario) – $35.00
This is one of those unexplainable Chards; 13 months in barrel, on lees, with no stirring and that has given the wine a certain ‘je-ne-said-quoi’. Buttery with cinnamon, vanilla and pineapple puree notes. Complex and delicious
Alamos 2013 Chardonnay (Argentina) – $13.95
one of the better Chards in this release: apple and pineapple notes with hints of spiced vanilla; good value.
De Morgenzon 2012 DMZ Chardonnay (South Africa) – $14.95
Subtle pineapple and some spice on the nose; palate has peach with a touch of vanilla-spice; nicely balanced.
Dirty Laundry 2012 Not So Knotty Chardonnay (British Columbia) – $26.95
Pear with floral notes on the nose; and has a pleasantly exotic palate.
For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.