Chardonnay From Around The World
For the second edition of our new blog series, we embark on a fun exploration of Chardonnay. Our selection features four wines hailing from different countries, inviting you to delve into their distinct styles and intricate flavours.
Chardonnay's global prominence stems from its remarkable adaptability. Whether crafted as still or sparkling, it excels and has ageing capabilities, unlike many of its counterparts. This grape ripens fairly early so it is best suited to countries with cooler climates, or high altitude and coastal breezes, allowing the grapes to mature slowly and develop a fuller complexity.
We hope that you enjoy your gallivant around the multifaceted world of Chardonnay, where each sip unveils a new understanding of why this wine varietal is so celebrated.
We've picked out a few of our favourite Chardonnays from around the world from the Marlo range... let us know what you think!
Whilst you read... why not put on our Chardonnay playlist on Spotify? You can listen to the playlist by clicking here.
2023 Bramito, Antinori
Umbria, Italy
The Antinori family are Italian winemaking royalty, they have been committed to the art of winemaking for over six centuries since 1385. Marchese Piero loves to say: “Ancient family roots play an important part in our philosophy but they have never hindered our innovative spirit”.
Castello della Sala is located in the region of Umbria, a stones throw away from the Tuscan border in Italy. A medieval castle sits above the vineyard, beneath its castellations the hillside gently rolls away. The vines sit at approximately 220 to 470 metres above sea level. This high altitude nurtures the perfect fruit for the production of these fresh, zesty whites. The vines are grown in clay and calcareous based soils, rich in fossil shells. The fruit especially benefits from the difference in temperature between day and night, from cooler evenings to hot sunny days. The resulting wines are complex, yet well balanced and fresh, underpinned by wonderful mineral acidity.
This is the second wine of the iconic Cervaro della Sala, but is exceptional in its own right. It is energetic, with crispy acidity and aromas of apples, citrus and toast.
FOOD PAIRING: Ricotta & Lemon Tortellini from Cafe Murano
2022 Wild Boy Chardonnay, Au Bon Climat
California, America
Au Bon Climat is a winery in California, founded in 1982 by Adam Tolmach and Jim Clendenen, in the early years of the Santa Barbara’s wine boom. In 1990, Tolmach left to start Ojai Winery and Clendenen became sole proprietor, winemaker and cult icon.
Clendenen’s passion for wine was ignited by a trip to Burgundy in the mid-1970s. He believed the Californian coast, with its undulations and coastal breeze could produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to rival Burgundy.
The label cunningly disarms you, as this outstanding Chardonnay is fleshy, with brioche and ripe citrus flavours. Made like a refined white from Burgundy, it is beautifully constructed, with flavours of pear, white peach and zesty acidity.
Sadly Jim Clendenen passed away last year, but his legacy lives on through his sophistacted wines and impression they made on the world of fine wine. This is one of our all time favourite Chardonnays.
FOOD PAIRING: Cornish Mussels with Bacon, Cider and Wild Garlic
2022 Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu River
Auckland, New Zealand
Kumeu River is unequivocally the best winery in New Zealand. Producing consecutively outstanding vintages that astonish critics and consistently rival acclaimed fine wines from the most famous regions in the world.
The business was established by Maté Brajkovich and his family, immigrants from Dalmatia on the Croatian coast who had arrived in New Zealand in 1938. They purchased a small farm and vineyard not far from Auckland and worked tirelessly to build Kumeau River’s reputation. The family made the bold decision to plant varietals never previously grown on the island, they grew Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. In the 1980's Mate’s son Micheal became New Zealand’s first Master of Wine, and with his expertise, along with his brother Paul, and continuing generations, they have collectively established a world class winery and put New Zealand on the fine wine map.
The 2021 Kumeu River Estate is a blend of fruit from Kumeu and Hawkes Bay. Fermentation happens in french oak barrels and is finished in stainless steel. This wine subsequently is crisp and pure, you can taste ripe lemons and limes, white peach and flinty spice. This is a medium bodied wine that will bring your palette great joy!
FOOD PAIRING: David Thompson's Grilled Pork Skewers
2021 Danbury Ridge Chardonnay
Essex, England
