This case contains a selection of wines from across the world, to celebrate International Chardonnay Day 2020. You’ll find fresh styles, for example from the Cleray Chardonnay in the cool mouth of Loire Valley, totally unoaked but still unmistakeably true to the variety. Also the Marea which comes from Chile’s new discovery of the cool coastal freshness in Leyda. And of course, the greatest cool climate expressions of the grape from Champagne and Chablis.
The Burgundies here are fresher and fruitier, the Rully is especially good value in a region where prices are ever increasing, made by a hot producer on top of her game.
The new world offers better quality than ever, especially from our point of view in South Africa where they manage to achieve great balance in their wines. The Constantia Uitsig, taken form the smallest vineyard in this historic estate, is possibly our favourite in the case.
Our ‘Alternative Sauvignon Blancs’ mixed case is designed to showcase a selection of wines from outside the well-known areas of Marlborough and Loire valley.
You’ll find cool crisp examples: Marea is a standout made in the cool coastal region of Leyda in Chile, it really does have a salty tang of the sea. Similarly the South African examples have a great freshness, the Constantia Uitsig is one of the most refined Sauvignons we have tasted in years. You’ll also find some elegance from the cool Dolomites in the North of Italy in the Castel Firmian.
The more exuberant fruity styles are to be found – perhaps surprisingly – in Rioja. The Nube charmed us with its tropical and peach aromas. The Haut Poitou is not your typical Loire example: the nose offers hints of passion fruit and mango while the palate retains the balance and finesse of a good Sancerre.
We hope this will make for a fun exploration and perhaps you may discover a new favourite.
To celebrate International Chardonnay Day we’ve put together a mixed case of a single varietal that is close to his heart.
Chardonnay can sometimes get a hard press. This is mainly due to the historic winemaking styles employed especially in the new world. Sadly this has caused many to turn their back on what I still consider to be probably the finest white grape variety (although Riesling would have something to say about that!). Chardonnay still makes up the largest portion of my own cellar.
Things have changed in the world of Chardonnay, even in its homeland of Burgundy. Freshness is the watchword across the world, even in the richer styles, winemaking techniques are used to ensure there is acidity and drive in the wines. Almost everyone is using less oak, and less new barrels, lees aging is common giving mouthfeel and body without richness.
Chardonnay, Domaine du Cléray
Country
France
Region
Loire
Grape
Chardonnay
Style
green apple, oyster shell, Refreshing, crisp, Minerally
ABV
12.5%
Chablis, Domaine Vrignaud
Country
France
Region
Burgundy
Grape
Chardonnay
Style
Refreshing, white flowers, balanced, citrus, clean, Fruity, lime
