We’re all so caught up in Sauvignon-itis that sometimes we forget there are actually more wines than this in the world! So, following on from our little look at Chenin, here are four excellent examples of probably the world’s most-travelled and classiest white grape – Chardonnay. If you think it’s all about the wood – think again because good Chardonnay is all about balance first and foremost. Balance between fruit, oak (if it’s present) acid and alcohol. Here are 4 good examples to show you what I mean.
Graham Beck Waterside Unwooded Chardonnay 2014 R50 from most retailers
This is a solid, well-made wine which is widely available and easily overlooked because of that. In fact, it’s a very clever little wine made in big enough quantities to be available at an excellent price but with enough care and attention to feel handcrafted. Clean, crisp and fresh and great with food.
Le Bonheur Chardonnay 2014 R70 from specialist retailers
There’s a new kid in Le Bonheur town and that’s Lauren Behrens who’s taken over the winemaking reins after Sakkie Kotzé was there for many years. This is a delicately-wooded Chardonnay with only part of the wine spending time in oak and that for only a short period anyway. The result is a delightful balance between fresh fruit and creamy oak with a clean finish zipping through.
De Wetshof Finesse Chardonnay 2013 R90 cellar door
Some of the best Chardonnays in SA come from the Robertson Valley – one of the reasons that so many of our top MCC’s do too!! The chalky soils give elegance and – well – finesse to the wine whilst the intense and concentrated fruit handle the oak treatment (some 1st 2nd & 3rd fill barrels) with aplomb. Top class stuff at a ridiculously-good price.
Rietvallei JMB Chardonnay 2014 R150 from specialist retailers
This is a big wine and no mistake with all the bells and whistles that the winemakers could give it. Wild yeast-fermented in new oak and coming from a single vineyard, it’s been made in tribute to Johnny Burger who died last year. It’s big, but it’s not brash, rich but not too mouth-filling with the sweet fruit marrying well to the spicy oak and giving a serious wine which will probably go for another few years at least.
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