"There are two kinds of girls in this world: those who do, and those who don't." Drink chardonnay, that is. For every girl who wants ABC (anything but chardonnay), there's another who's rarely more than an arm's length from a bottle of Rombauer. But here's the thing: chardonnay is a versatile grape, and for those who think they don't like it, because they don't like the big, oaky, buttery, quintessential and sometimes overpowering chards that have become so popular in some circles, there are plenty of other options. Steer clear of the c-word, and you might be missing some really lovely wines. We recently sampled three surprising chardonnays -- all different, and a little something for everyone.
Viu Manent Valle de Colchagua (Chile) Chardonnay 2010: An initial clover aroma was followed by a distinctive honey taste. This wine had a smooth, creamy mouthfeel with a rich viscosity. Overall, it was a flowery, light, happy, easy-drinking, girly wine -- and felt more like a pinot blanc than a chardonnay.
Cameron Hughes Evergreen Series Los Carneros Chardonnay 2007: No shortage of oak here -- we found this wine actually woody. But the initial hit of oak was followed by a nice hint of butterscotch. Happily, we discovered that with flavorful cheeses, the wine became much more drinkable and appealing. (I blame the wine for causing me to demolish a wedge of Humboldt Fog and half a baguette -- and loving every minute of it.)
Noble Vines Single Vineyard 446 Monterey Chardonnay 2010: This is one of the newest offerings in The Willows Market's extensive inventory, and Nick sent me home with a bottle insisting that I try it -- who am I to argue with Nick? We found it immediately appealing, with bright, citrus-y notes and a hint of pineapple. The zingy fruits and silky-smooth mouthfeel were balanced with a slightly buttery, toasty finish. I'll be stocking up on this to keep in the fridge for a great everyday white.
Personally, I like the big, buttery, oaky California chardonnays -- and I like un-oaked chards, and a lot of styles in between. If you think you don't like chardonnay, don't be afraid to experiment, and you just might find something you like. And if you think it's Rombauer or bust -- well, in a future tasting, we'll find some alternatives with a similar style that won't break the bank.
For the record, The Willows Market supplied us with one free bottle of each of these wines. I have not received any other compensation for this posting. I have linked to other web sites for convenience; however, I take no responsibility for the content of any third-party web sites.
