#WineWednesday: ‘Tis the Season for Chardonnay

By / Wine + Drinks / October 2nd, 2013 / 2

Called this one, ‘Tis the Season for Chardonnay, but actually it would seem that every season is the season for Chardonnay.

Chardonnay is not like Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, which have that warm weather feel about them, and it’s not like Rosé, rosé has a lock on your summer palate.

It’s definitely nothing like Port, which is a winter warmer, or a big heavy red with its lofty alcohol (say 15%+), these too are trodden out during the cold months, and here in Canada we know they warm the soul as well as the cockles.

Nope, Chardonnay defies the odds makers, with so many styles it’s the wine you can drink from January to December no matter what the weather – here are a few you should try.

Lailey 2011 Brickyard Chardonnay ($25.00)

Great buttery-spicy notes on the nose that lure you into the glass moving seamlessly onto the he palate adding fruit along the way: peach and apple come together with the spice and buttery notes and hints of vanilla; all leading to a finish with a creamy texture, superb length and spiced-vanillin and pineapple.

Quail’s Gate 2011 Chardonnay ($20.95)

Nicely quaffable Chard with really good fruit expression: there’s a little hint of oak, but it does not interfere with the fruit, and that’s a good thing.

Bachelder 2011 Niagara Chardonnay ($29.95)

The nose is full of pear, peach and lime – hardly noticeable is the 17 months in barrel – on the palate the fruit shines with apple and peach along with a core of acidity and the dichotomy of creaminess – giving way to a green apple / lime meringue finish.

Carabella 2009 Dijon 76 Clone Chardonnay ($26.95)

Big and creamy with nice tropical notes, plenty of vanilla and creamy peach.

 For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael is an award-winning journalist: Promoting the Promoters Award Cuvée 2010 and Ontario Wine Awards Journalist of the Year 2012.  He is also a national and international wine judge - Ontario Wine Awards, All Canadian Wine Championships; Best of Riesling — Germany; Essencia do Vinho — "Top Wines of Portugal".  He is currently the President of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada and the wine columnist for Ottawa Life and Grand magazine as well as regular contributor to Tidings, and Grapevine ... his reviews have also appeared in the LCBO Vintages magazine. Michael has also added a YouTube channel to his activities where he reviews bottles of great Ontario wine on a weekly basis. In whatever he does, it is Michael’s desire to educate, inspire and encourage others to grow their own love and enthusiasm for wine – and to realize that it is their palate that ultimately makes the decision.

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