Get 25% Discount on These 4 Versatile Chardonnay Bottles at Perfect Cellar Chris Lehoux, February 17, 2024 Chardonnay, often hailed as the king of white grapes, is a symbol of both familiarity and complexity in the world of wine. The grape that everyone seems to know until they ask a sommelier: “I dislike Chardonnay, can I get a Chablis instead?” For your information, they’re the same grape. This grape variety spans across continents and climates, presenting a spectrum of flavors that can perplex and excite even the most seasoned wine enthusiasts. With assistance from our trustworthy wine partner Perfect Cellar, we plan to demystify the mysteries and histories, the significance of climate, the effect of oak ageing, and how to pair it with food. As an additional perk, Independent readers can use the code INDYCHARDO25 at checkout to receive 25 per cent off their first order on all Chardonnays from the Perfect Cellar Website. Chardonnay’s tale began in the vineyards of Burgundy, France, where it has been grown for hundreds of years. However, its worldwide presence transcends its European roots. Chardonnay has reached diverse wine regions all over the world, from the cold hills of northern Burgundy to the sun-soaked vineyards of Australia and California, influencing every terroir it touches. Chardonnay, with its unique ability to reflect its environment, is like a chameleon in the world of wines. This results in an incredibly diverse flavor profile that can be surprising due to its sheer versatility. When grown in cooler climates, it embodies the sharpness of citrus, the freshness of green apples and a subtle undertone of chamomile, with a lighter body and clean acidity. However, a warmer climate transforms it into a tropical fiesta of flavors, with mangoes, melons, and peaches coming to the fore. Moreover, the climate not only affects its flavor but also dictates its texture. The enormity of the climate’s impact on Chardonnay is challenging to describe – it’s a complicated relationship. Cooler climates produce wines with more acid and delicate fruitiness, while warmer climates bring out its rich, full-bodied side with riper fruit characteristics. The winemaking process impacts this versatile wine’s profile significantly, with techniques such as oak aging and malolactic fermentation adding complexity. Thus, Chardonnay can be considered the James Bond of wines – sophisticated, smooth, and slightly mysterious. In areas like southern Burgundy and parts of the New World, aging the wine in oak is customary. The oak imparts hints of sweet spice, vanilla and toasted oak to the wine, adding to its complexity. Frequently paired with oak aging, malolactic fermentation provides creamy textures and buttery notes, elevating the wine’s allure. Finally, we come to the enjoyable task of food pairing with Chardonnay. Consider it your dinner table’s ultimate partner. The lighter styles, similar to cool-climate Chardonnays, complement seafood dishes and salads perfectly. Their sharp acidity works well with rich sauces, enhancing fish’s subtle flavors. Meanwhile, the richer versions, known for their full-bodied nature and creamy textures, are superbly suited for heavier dishes. With a bubbly personality, they blend seamlessly with fish in creamy sauces, spicy curries, or subtly spicy dishes. The oak-infused Chardonnays, resplendent with strong notes of vanilla and butterscotch, pair wonderfully with creamy mushroom sauces, poultry, or even rabbit dishes. In a world full of wine options, Chardonnay stands out as the grape with a split personality – and we wouldn’t have it any other way. With its rich history and multifaceted personality, it continues to captivate wine lovers worldwide. From the limestone soils of Chablis to the sun-kissed vineyards of California, each glass tells a story of terroir, climate and meticulous winemaking. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a gourmet meal, Chardonnay remains a timeless classic, forever evolving yet eternally cherished. Oaky and hot climate: Planeta Chardonnay 2022 – £25.98 with discount code INDYCHARDO25 Dive into a glass of Planeta Chardonnay 2022, and you’re transported to the sun-soaked vineyards of Sicily. With its rich light gold hue, this wine flaunts its credentials from the get-go. On the nose, tropical aromas of mango and butter swirl elegantly, followed by a chorus of acacia. But it’s on the palate where this Chardonnay truly shines, delivering a medley of ripe peach, citrus zing and a subtle hint of minerals. The finish? Oh, it’s a crescendo of honey, cream, and just a touch of yeast. No wonder it snagged the Gold Medal at Merano Wine Hunter – this wine is Sicilian sunshine in a bottle. BUY NOW Sparkling: Michel Genet ‘MG BB Spirit’ Grand Cru Champagne NV – £35.21 with discount code INDYCHARDO25 Prepare to be dazzled by Michel Genet ‘MG BB Spirit’ Grand Cru Champagne NV – a Blanc de Blancs fit for royalty. With its shimmering gold yellow hue, this Champagne seduces the senses with aromas of freshly baked bread and pastries. On the palate, it’s a symphony of citrus, from zesty lemon to tangy tangerine, with a hint of grapefruit for good measure. But what truly sets this Champagne apart is its complex finish, boasting notes of cocoa and linseed oil that linger on the palate. At under £40, this Grand Cru gem is a steal – sip, savour, and prepare to be amazed. BUY NOW Non-oaky and light: Louis Michel Chablis 2022 – £26.21 with discount code INDYCHARDO25 Louis Michel Chablis 2022 is a symphony of flavors that dances elegantly on the palate. This Chablis, with its light lemon color, exemplifies purity and precision. The aromas present a harmonious blend of citrus and stone fruits, complemented by subtle floral undertones. It’s on the palate, though, where this wine truly captures the spotlight. Tastes of apple, peach, and lemon twirl deftly against a backdrop of honey and spice. The finishing act features medium-plus acidity and a mineral-spice undertone, holding the audience captive for more. The noteworthy 92 points from Decanter attests to its craftsmanship – it’s artistry encapsulated in a bottle. BUY NOW Oaky: Bonterra – The Roost Blue Heron Vineyards Chardonnay 2020 – £29 with discount code INDYCHARDO25 Bonterra – The Roost Blue Heron Vineyards Chardonnay 2020 hails from California and evokes a comforting homely feeling. Exhibiting a medium golden hue, this Chardonnay beckons with scents of lemon curd, butter, and a whisper of banana. The palate introduces a delightful medley of lemon drops, lime, and cream, balanced to perfection with the right dash of acidity. As the taste lingers, notes of baked apple, creme brulee, enriched by a hint of toffee and nutmeg, compose a symphony of flavors. It’s like indulging in a glass of decadent dessert – opulent, gustatory, and impossibly compelling. BUY NOW Q. Chardonnay can be found in all styles – True or False? A. True. It can be sweet, sparkling, still and fortified Q. What does “Blanc de Blancs Champagne” mean? A. “White from the Whites.” It’s a white grape Champagne only. Meaning 100% Chardonnay. For true vino-lovers, enjoy 50 per cent off this monthly wine subscription In association with Perfect Cellar: The Independent works with Perfect Cellar to bring readers wine choices and will earn commission if readers choose to buy their wines via a link from this Independent.co.uk article. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine