I'm here with some pretty important news.....Chardonnay is making a comeback. Ya heard it here first people!
I got into Chardonnay a few years ago to an ex – what he lacked in husband material he made up for in impeccable wine taste. I like all Chardonnays but most popular are the buttery & oaky Chardys. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but I do think it's when Chardonnay is at its best.
Chardonnay in NZ had a boom in the 1980’s & 1990’s & Chardonnay was New Zealand's most widely planted grape variety from 1990 till 2002 when Sauvignon blanc finally surpassed it. Then people started going off plan & making unoaked Chardonnay which didn’t appeal to anyone so it kind of died off & actually became a bit naff – but it’s back and it's never been better!
Although NZ Chardonnay is mostly known for being from the Hawkes Bay my picks are from pretty much everywhere except the Hawkes Bay (I'll do some HB Chardys at a later date)
Huntaway Reserve Chardonnay is from Gisbourne and dollar for dollar is one of the best value Chardonnays out there. I think this might have something to do with the fact that the vineyard where these grapes are grown are some of the oldest in Gisbourne. Old vines make great wines! You will get this from the supermarket for $18
Wither Hills Single Vineyard Benmorven Chardonnay is a Marlborough Chardonnay and as it's a single vineyard (this means all of the grapes come from one - in this case organic - vineyard). This won best Chardonnay in Marlborough at the 2015 Marlborough Wine Show. This wine is only from traditional liquor stores.
Soho “Carter” Chardonnay 2016 is from Waiheke and is named after “Maximus Carter” Soho's owner Rachael Carter’s beloved Dalmatian who has since passed – because of the fact that they are both of an excellent Pedigree. Couldn't think of a better tribute to a beloved pet. This wine is definitely a bit special & also a single vineyard wine. Full price this wine is $38, 34 on special but I have seen it as low as $32.
Below is the link to me talking about what is definitely my favourite white varietal with Wendyl Nisan on the RadioLIVE Long Lunch