ABC – AKA – ALWAYS BRING CHARDONNAY
Who knows when actual Chardonnay Day is? And quite frankly who needs the excuse…..
This Bank holiday just stick to this golden rule ‘ABC’ : Always Bring Chardonnay!
It is the perfect enlivener for Whatever the Occasion, Food or Celebrity you want to channel this long weekend!
I adore European Chardonnay, but due to damp squib like UK weather, I think we could all do with New World vinous sunshine!
Cheers!
Bonterra: The Pop Princess
Bonterra Estate Collection Chardonnay 2019 £12.99 Waitrose
US: Online retailers
Celeb Compatibility: Lady Gaga/ Jonas Brothers
Poppy, fun, verges on corny and most importantly it’s unashamed
Taste: This actually tastes of Thanksgiving – if you could bottle an occasion! Baked apple and peach dipped in maple honey, it hugs your tongue in a satiny embrace but is balanced with good acidity and a touch of lemon…
Food Pairing: HAPPINESS INDUCING- with endive goats cheese salad if sunshine prevails… or a very fun cheeseboard… preferably with very indulgent creamy varieties!
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La Crema: The Affable Transplant
La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay US 2018 £20.95
Available in the UK : farehamwinecellar.co.uk, slurp.co.uk, Fenwick
US: Online and independent wine stores nationwide
Celeb Compatibility: James Corden and Florence Pugh
Appeals to Americans and Brits due to hybrid nature. Can be extremely open and relatable but knows when to rein it in!
Taste: Baked pear ripeness gives away this wine’s Cali roots but it’s a bit more restrained on the oak front. Think Werthers Original tanginess as opposed to butterscotch. This is what Brits order to enjoy Cali Chard without actually having to go too far out of their comfort zone!
Food Pairing: Such a well balanced wine surely makes it acceptable to be enjoyed at brunch?! You cannot go wrong with avocado on toast, but if you want to go wild, then enjoy with a seafood salad or lobster omelettes!
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Bird in Hand: Aussie BBQ wine
Bird in Hand Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2019
Available in the UK: £19 Frontierfinewines.co.uk, Waitrose Cellar
US: Sadly not yet available in the States
Celeb Compatibility: Chris Hemsworth and Kylie Minogue
Opulent, definitely flexes for the price, Aussie sunshine but also appreciated worldwide!
Taste: Due to it coming from a cool climate, this Chard exudes a pink lady apple sweetness, pulpy texture, toffee nougat undertone but also has great acidity and is only 13% alcohol. Fantastic all day BBQ option!
Food Pairing: On its own prepping the BBQ or whiling away the afternoon hours on a picnic blanket in the park! Think fresh summery salads topped with chargrilled chicken. Or keep it super simple Chicken/ turkey sandwiches, picnic quiches or guacamole and chips. This amiable wine really caters for whatever the set up!
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Giant Steps Chardonnay: The restrained, nuanced Choice
Giant Steps, Sexton Vineyard, Yarra Valley, Chardonnay 2020
Available in the UK: £32 vinum.co.uk, nywines.co.uk
US: Available Online and in independent wine stores nationwide
Celeb Compatibility: Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman
Taste: I would love to serve this in a blind tasting for people who usually ONLY DRINK BURGUNDY! This wine takes a bit of time to open up in the glass but once it does you will be rewarded with crystalline granny smith apple freshness, nervy citrus peel tension, a coquettish brioche whisper which is whipped into place with a saline savoury finish. A super serious and elegant option which could contend with certain sites in Burgundy, especially at the price!
Food Pairing: If you need a fancy pants dinner wine – this should be your go to! Think poached lobster, any white fish and/or with a rich sauce, gnocchi/pasta dishes laden with butter and truffles or classic smoked salmon canapes.
CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE SUGGESTION
Rustenberg Stellenbosch: Reliable, classic, adored worldwide but loyal to their roots
Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2020
Available in the UK: £14.99 Waitrose
US: Cape-ardor.com – ships to most states
Celeb Compatibility: Johnty Rhodes/ Maye Musk
( Elon’s mum / global star model in her own right!)
Taste: Silky dried apricots and baked peaches revel in this consistent over performer. I can still never get over its fantastic value. It is a judicious hedonist with just the right amount of richness, ripeness and seductive silky touch.
Food Pairing: This is the perfect pairing for comfort food. For a chilled night in, grab a glass of this with your mushroom risotto, macaroni and cheese or quite frankly anything creamy or buttery. Perfection!
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Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile’s Lair: Smoke show, memorable, singular, evocative
Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile’s Lair Chardonnay 2018
Available in the UK: £18.99 Waitrose Cellar, Frontierfinewines.co.uk
US: Sadly not available in the US.
Celeb Compatibility: Charlize Theron and Trevor Noah
Taste: I must admit this was not what I was expecting from a cool climate Saffa Chardonnay as they tend to be leaner examples of the grape. This took me by complete joyous surprise with its oolong tea smokiness, plush mouth filling embrace and golden apple and sun filled tangerine radiance! I felt deliciously ravished by this irrepressible and generous vinous companion!
Food Pairing: With its smoke show personality anything which has been chargrilled, smoked or Braised would be amazing. From brisket to chargrilled cauliflower, this abundant wine could stand up to the umami flavours in Levantine cuisine, compete with creamy sauces and bring on the brawn to any Barbequed meats.
CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE SUGGESTION