By Jovica Kuzmanovic
Chardonnay, an undeniably celebrated wine varietal, has garnered admiration around the globe. With its widespread cultivation, this wine offers many different flavours and styles.
Chardonnay the Grape, Chardonnay the Wine
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used in the production of a well-loved white wine of the same name. Celebrated for its versatility both in the vineyard and the winery, Chardonnay lends itself well to a wide array of flavours and styles, ranging from light and crisp to rich and creamy. As a cornerstone of the wine world, its prominence is unparalleled, and it is cultivated in virtually every wine-growing region globally. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food, Chardonnay offers a delightful drinking experience.
The taste profile of this exquisite white wine is largely dictated by the winemaker's touch; their vinification methods, and the vineyard’s terroir – the unique combination of environmental factors in the vineyard where the grapes are nurtured. When you savour a glass of Chardonnay, it's often said you're experiencing a "taste of place" as the winemaking process influences the wine's personality. One notable technique is "malolactic fermentation" – a natural process that converts tart malic acid into softer lactic acid, resulting in a velvety, buttery, and less acidic Chardonnay.
The “Old World” Chardonnay
The term "Old World" is often used to refer to wines that originate from Europe, while "New World" wines encompass those produced outside of Europe. In the case of Chardonnay, its origins lie in the Old World, specifically in the renowned region of Burgundy, France. Burgundy's cooler climate, distinctive limestone soils, and adherence to traditional winemaking techniques have shaped Chardonnay into the classic Old World style. White Burgundy, the predominant white wine crafted from Chardonnay in Burgundy, showcases a lighter colour and a complex flavour profile characterized by citrus fruit, white flowers, subtle spices, a distinct minerality, and lively acidity. While the Old World represents the historic birthplace of Chardonnay, the New World has embraced this grape variety and interpreted it in unique ways, producing a diverse array of Chardonnay wines from regions around the globe.
Within Burgundy, the sub-region of Chablis provides great examples of Chardonnay. This style is known for its citrus and white flower aromas, along with dry, lean flavours of citrus, pear, and a prominent minerality.
We have excellent examples of this style in our selection, such as the Pinson Chablis. This wine is a lively affair, marked by its purity and vibrancy. The palate is precise and complex, with notes of citrus, herbs, and white pepper. Pair it with oysters for a classic Chablis pairing, or venture into pairings with smoked salmon or sushi for an equally delightful experience.
“New World” Chardonnay
Moving to the “New World” style of Chardonnay, some of the best examples are coming from California. The warmer climate here bestows the Chardonnay grape with a different, arguably more audacious persona. California style Chardonnay often manifests as a darker yellow wine, packed with ripe tropical fruit flavours, a robust texture, and muted acidity. Regions in Northern California like Sonoma, Napa, Russian River, and Carneros are renowned for their distinctive Chardonnay styles.
Something to consider from our stores is the Banshee Chardonnay from Sonoma. This Chardonnay is a splendid showcase of the Sonoma Coast style - it opens with fragrances of orchard fruits like apple and pear, augmented by hints of tropical fruits and vanilla. The palate is of moderate weight and reveals a depth of flavour, mirroring the apple, lemon, sage, and vanilla panna cotta aroma.
Gem of Chardonnay
Lastly, a hidden Chardonnay gem is Argentina. While commonly praised for its bold Malbecs, Argentina also cultivates enchanting Chardonnays. Regions like Mendoza and Uco Valley, nestled against the Andes, benefit from high altitude and intense sunlight, yielding perfectly ripened Chardonnay grapes. Argentine Chardonnay often shows the ripe fruit flavours of California Chardonnays, with the higher acidity typical of cooler climate regions. This duality births a beautifully balanced wine that is both rich and vibrant.
From our selection, one expression from this region that you might try is the Catena Chardonnay. This wine gracefully melds the flavours of honey and tropical fruits with nuances of citrus, pear, and peach, all subtly adorned with a delicate note of vanilla. Its charm lies in its intricate interplay of flavours, making it a worthy representative of Argentina's Chardonnay prowess.
Jovica Kuzmanovic, South Granville Assistant Manager
Jovica joined JAK's in 2021. Before moving to Canada he spent more than 6 years traveling around the world while working on a cruise ship as a Sommelier and Beverage Manager. He has WSET Level 2 and Level 3 Wines. Outside of JAK’s, he likes playing basketball or going to the Whitecaps games.