I might have been a bit premature there by swearing off of chardonnay in favour of Riesling for the Summer. The fact is aromatic varietals don't cut it when there are some nice pre-dinner starters or BBQ meats and salads to be had. Chardonnay is still unbeatable and in New Zealand terms, a good Hawkes Bay (wooded) Chardonnay is the thing. There are lots of good ones to choose from (and unfortunately still a lot of ordinary ones) but my current choices are, in no ranking order of price or quality:
Te Mata Elston
Sacred Hill (orange label)
Selaks Founders
Selaks Winemakers Favourite (previously known as The Favourite)
Villa Maria Cellar Selection (there are some disturbing rumours that the newer variants of this are all Marlborough fruit).
Sacred Hill Riflemans
Clearview Reserve
Craggy Range Les Beaux Cailloux
Villa Maria Keltern
Church Road Reserve
Mea Culpa
2 comments:
"Villa Maria Cellar Selection (there are some disturbing rumours that the newer variants of this are all Marlborough fruit)."
Holy shit! Will I be able to get through another day?
Hey, Wine Guy (The), I'm just kidding.
Bin Hire
Great on you for sticking with Chardonnay!
Despite its popularity I still find Chardonnay surprising (and I work for Ghost Pines, which produces Chardonnay). Good Chardonnays blend sharper, citrus flavors with a more creamy finish, which makes for a really interesting white. I’ve also found that Chardonnay is a great varietal to use as an intro for new wine enthusiasts, especially those who tend to favor red over white. It makes a great everyday wine, too.
Post a Comment