Chardonnay World Tour

Today, we travel the world and explore the magic of this hearty, versatile, and elegant variety.

Chardonnay, derived from the Latin term meaning ‘place of thistles’, has become the undisputed titan of white wine. This versatile grape stands as the fifth-most cultivated worldwide and claims the prestigious position of being the second-most widely grown white wine grape. Chardonnay is so esteemed that it has become synonymous with white wine itself.

The grape’s influence spans the globe from the sun-drenched vineyards of Australia to the renowned terroirs of Burgundy and the picturesque California landscape. This remarkable grape offers an expansive range of flavors and styles that appeal to wine enthusiasts of all tastes.

Chardonnay's allure lies in its ability to craft wines that span the spectrum, from approachable and fruity to highly coveted and prized. The world is captivated by its charms, planting Chardonnay vineyards to the delight of devoted consumers everywhere.

Renowned for its complexity and elegance, Chardonnay has the power to yield some of the world's most extraordinary white wines. Considered a treasure among vinous gems, French novelist Alexandre Dumas proclaimed, "Montrachet should be sipped only while kneeling and with head bowed."

Join me on an exploration of Chardonnay's breadth and depth as we embark on a compelling journey through its various expressions. From vineyards around the world, Chardonnay continues to captivate with its unparalleled ability to create exceptional white wines.

Jansz Premium Cuvée NV | Tasmania, Australia

The Jansz Premium Cuvée is a remarkable wine embodying the finest quality of the producer’s wines from various vintages. This exceptional blend is carefully created using specially selected fruit sourced from cool climate locations across Tasmania, where each site is devoted to growing grapes exclusively for sparkling wine production.

Made in the traditional or Champagne method, the blend includes the classic varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

You'll encounter a delightful array of scents upon uncorking the bottle. The unmistakable fragrance of honeysuckle and citrus greets your senses, accompanied by subtle hints of nougat, roasted nuts, and a delightful whiff of strawberry derived from the incorporation of Pinot Noir grapes.

This sparkler offers a delightful play of delicate fruits and a creamy texture that coats the palate, followed by a satisfyingly lingering finish.

Paul Pernot Bourgogne Blanc 2020 | Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, France

Paul Pernot, a devoted wine aficionado, has overseen the operations of the Domaine since 1955. His trio of sons collaborates with him to guarantee the preservation of the family's heritage.

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, the Domaine boasts an impressive 19 hectares of exceptional vineyards. While they sell most of their wine to esteemed négociants like Maison Drouhin, they reserve around 20% for bottling. These resulting wines showcase the purest expression of the family’s finest vineyard parcels - elegant, pure, and utterly delicious.

Domaine Paul Pernot employs the judicious use of oak barrels, typically for a period of three years, imparting just a touch of the oak's influence without overwhelming the delicate flavors of their wines. They bottle their wines early, recognizing the importance of preserving freshness and avoiding overt oakiness. This thoughtful approach ensures that each sip delights the senses, unfettered by excessive wood flavors.

The eagerly anticipated 2020 bottling exudes a captivating bouquet of white orchard fruit flowers intertwined with lively notes of lemon zest. On the palate, these aromas give way to a round, supple texture that enchants the taste buds. The meticulously balanced flavors possess a slightly enhanced density, elevating the overall experience. As the wine gracefully concludes, it leaves a clean, dry impression with a hint of rustic charm.

Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Chardonnay 2019 | Russian River, Sonoma County, California

In collaboration with grape grower Theresa Heredia and other dedicated producers within Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, winemaker Gary Farrell has long acknowledged the unique characteristics of different regions within the valley that give rise to distinct wines. Since the 2014 vintage, the group has meticulously studied to determine if specific sections of the valley can be attributed to certain wine qualities such as aroma, texture, and more.

This immersive investigation into Russian River viticulture has evolved into the formation of the esteemed Neighborhoods Initiative, which serves as the foundation for exceptional single vineyard winemaking and elevated tasting salon experiences.

This Chardonnay is a fine example of the quality consumers can expect from Gary’s wines. The grapes are sourced from renowned sites, including Bacigalupi, West Side Farms, and Rochioli. When the cork is pulled a delightful fusion of Gravenstein apple, Meyer lemon, tangerine, and invigorating acidity greet the palate. These vibrant elements seamlessly intertwine with a subtle butterscotch accent, resulting in a well-balanced and lush texture that leaves a lasting impression.

Shaw + Smith M3 Chardonnay 2021 | Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia

Shaw + Smith is a family business established in 1989 by cousins Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith. At that time, Michael had just completed his Master of Wine in the UK, while Martin was running a "flying winemaker" business in Europe. With a shared vision and complementary skills, the pair decided to make wine together spontaneously.

Today, the duo has the support of a small team of talented wine professionals who are dedicated to driving the business forward. They focus on crafting exceptional wines exclusively from Adelaide Hills, a region known to be among Australia's finest for viticulture.

The 2021 M3 Chardonnay is a prime example of the team’s winemaking ability. It is a restrained and elegant wine with a complex profile. This cool-climate example doesn't showcase tropical fruit flavors. Instead, offering refined notes of citrus and stone fruit. The integration of oak is exceptional, adding depth to the wine. It exhibits an exciting vibrancy, mouthwatering acidity, and a precise, long-lasting finish that leaves a continuing impression.

The tasting journey continues

I know what you’re thinking — four wines aren’t exactly a “World Tour”. There are so many wonderful regions that produce stellar Chardonnay! I’ll continue to add to this list as I taste, and I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below and let me know which Chardonnays are your favorites. Cheers! - Montana