A quick 6 pick of Chardonnay this morning ahead of International Chardonnay Day! The white grape variety with styles that vary from the creamy & wooded to the lean & sparkling. Originally birthed & mastered in Burgundy, France. But lets rather delve into something local - I believe South Africa has some of the top Chardonnay in the world & at some of the best price points that will definitely be serious value for money.
I went through my stash over the weekend & pulled out some of my favourites. But in no time, I had too many to write about. So I decided to go with those that have a special place in my memory, so I settled on a quick 6. In no particular order (because each one is a pure beauty in it's own way):
Van Loveren - 2018 Christina
Full bodied with creamy textures & hints at oak. Typical citrus notes accompanied by those buttery aromas. A wine that goes with so much. I am a lover of carrot cake and some of the best carrot I've ever had was that which my Gran baked when I was younger. Rich & bold with creamy frosting. The roasted pecan nuts adding something that reminds me of hints of oak. An unusual but unique pairing.
Quoin Rock - Chardonnay
I was fortunate enough to have lunch at the estate on a #WineRoutingWithLloyd trip that was absolutely phenomenal. It's one experience from that tip that to this day still stands out. The pairing that stood out the most, was the Chardonnay with a Pickled King Oyster Mushroom. Complementary & contrasting flavours that combine to bring out the best in both the wine & the dish. Creaminess of the mushroom contrasting against the light citrus notes of the wine. The wine finishing off elegantly leaving you wanting more.
I was fortunate enough to have lunch at the estate on a #WineRoutingWithLloyd trip that was absolutely phenomenal. It's one experience from that tip that to this day still stands out. The pairing that stood out the most, was the Chardonnay with a Pickled King Oyster Mushroom. Complementary & contrasting flavours that combine to bring out the best in both the wine & the dish. Creaminess of the mushroom contrasting against the light citrus notes of the wine. The wine finishing off elegantly leaving you wanting more.
Ataraxia - 2018 Chardonnay
If you've never been to Upper Hemel-en-Aarde, I highly recommend it! This tasting room or 'Wine Lounge' is situated on a hill at the base of Babel mountain & most people initially see it and think it is a chapel of sort. It is exquisite. My memory here is from sipping on a glass of Chardonnay whilst in conversation with winemaker, Kevin Grant & then getting to ring the tower bell on a #WineRoutingWithLloyd trip. (See it here.) This Chardonnay is like no other with a minerality that mimics the terroir it's been grown in. A freshness of citrus accompanied with oakiness that rounds of with a smooth finish.
Creation - 2018 Reserve Chardonnay
Chardonnay makes a very good breakfast wine in my opinion. The creamy textures of eggs benedict with a fresh hollandaise match up perfectly with a big bold glass of slightly chilled Chardonnay. At Creation - they offer a very affordable "Brunch Pairing." (Check out more of it here.) This is a fragrant Chardonnay with lemon blossoms combined with honeycomb. Further on the nose - grapefruit & a touch of cinnamon. Bold & creamy, yet soft & elegant with a delightful Upper Hemel-en-Aarde minerality that finishes off & lingers just long enough until the next sip.
La Motte - 2017 Chardonnay
Around 13 years ago I went on holiday to visit family in Cape Town & on a day trip to Franschhoek, La Motte was the very first wine farm that I ever visited. So it will always stand out in my memory as one of those special places that opened up the world of wine for me. This Chardonnay is a medium/full bodied glass full of citrus notes with hints at white peaches & oak. Finishing off with a smooth freshness. A lovely wine to accompany fresh seafood or on it's own in every season.
Creation - 2018 Reserve Chardonnay
Chardonnay makes a very good breakfast wine in my opinion. The creamy textures of eggs benedict with a fresh hollandaise match up perfectly with a big bold glass of slightly chilled Chardonnay. At Creation - they offer a very affordable "Brunch Pairing." (Check out more of it here.) This is a fragrant Chardonnay with lemon blossoms combined with honeycomb. Further on the nose - grapefruit & a touch of cinnamon. Bold & creamy, yet soft & elegant with a delightful Upper Hemel-en-Aarde minerality that finishes off & lingers just long enough until the next sip.
La Motte - 2017 Chardonnay
Around 13 years ago I went on holiday to visit family in Cape Town & on a day trip to Franschhoek, La Motte was the very first wine farm that I ever visited. So it will always stand out in my memory as one of those special places that opened up the world of wine for me. This Chardonnay is a medium/full bodied glass full of citrus notes with hints at white peaches & oak. Finishing off with a smooth freshness. A lovely wine to accompany fresh seafood or on it's own in every season.
La Bri - 2016 Chardonnay
La Bri is where my love for Chardonnay originates. Years ago, at a tasting up in Pretoria I met winemaker, Irene. Initially I told her that I only drank Sauvignon Blanc - but she challenged me to give her Chardonnay a go. This beauty is clear & hints at pineapples, white peaches & creamy lemons. The finish is elegant & smooth whilst a nuttiness of fresh biscuits lingers a while longer. Whilst explaining the flavours & aromas that I noted, something in that moment just hit home & I knew I was missing out on Chardonnay.
So many more memories accompanied by a good glass of Chardonnay. You should be exploring your palate & giving them all a go this #ChardonnayDay!
