Spotlight On: Chardonnay
This spring, revisit Chardonnay. There are many iterations of the world’s most popular white grape that will surprise you. Discover four of our staff’s favorites below.
Couple Goals, Sebastien David – 2021 $18.96
This natural orange wine uses the uncommon blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. It’s fragrant, citrusy, and crushable. If your “goal” is to learn orange wine, it’s a great bottle to start with. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Eminence Road, “Lamb’s Quarter” Chardonnay – 2019 $22.96
A delicious Chardonnay from the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York . This wine is fermented with native yeast, it’s unfined and unfiltered. Because the wine spends almost two years on lees, you can notice a gentle briny texture. Pear and nectarine flavors are also present. Fresh and perfect for a summer day! – Andrea Fraccari, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Presqu’ile Winery, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County – 2021 $24.96
Cali Chardonnay can get a bad rep, mostly because a lot is grown in climates that are too hot for this grape. I will take one from Santa Barbara County any day. Here is the perfect example: bright, fresh and super delicious. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Managers
Petit Chablis, Moreau-Naudet – 2021 $35.99
Domaine Moreau-Naudet has been a family estate since the 17th century. This majestic winery defies every convention of commercial winemaking. Vineyards are maintained by fully organic farming. Harvest is performed without the use of any machines and grapes are left to hang as long as possible, drawing out the natural flavor potential in these young vines. With a subtle sip of pink grapefruit and white flowers, this Petit Chablis is a masterclass in minerality and earth-first viniculture. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant