America’s fastest growing varietal ; Chardonnay, considered a low maintenance grape, is grown in a multitude of climates and produces high yields. But what should we know about this renowned white wine?

Chardonnay is probably one of the most renowned white wines, followed by its cousins, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer , Pinot Grigio, Semillon Viognier and Chenin Blanc. Serve these wines in glasses that have a smaller bowl that tapers in at the top. This will help concentrate their more subtle aromas.

Served at a cool 9-10 °C, Chardonnay features quite a separate range of impressive flavours, from its expected buttered, oak overtones to fresh, fruity flavours of apple, pear, citrus and melon. Chardonnay that has undergone malolactic fermentation will yield diacetyl, giving it a big buttery taste. The Chardonnay is then transferred to oak barrels where it will develop that signature oak flavour. These wines will pair excellently with pork, seafood, and chicken dishes that also have heavy cream or buttery bases. Lovers of Italian food will be glad to note that Chardonnay goes very well with Pasta carbonara, alla vongole, lobster, crab or scallops.

The more citrus, unoaked Chardonnay is stored in steel containers which impart the more citrus, fruity flavours. This version of Chardonnay goes better with lighter meals, smaller dinners or appetizers. Think Caesar salad, omeletes and quiches, ham and bacon.

Unoaked Chardonnay goes especially well with grilled or roasted salmon. These are merely suggestions for pairing some foods with Chardonnay. Although the often quoted rule of thumb is “red wine with red meat, white wine with fish or fowl,” a better rule is “A good paring is when the food and wine do not overshadow each other”.

Arniston Bay has produced excellent Chardonnays and this cultivar also forms part of some the most successful, and delightful, Arniston Bay white blends. Like the extremely popular Arniston Bay Chenin Blanc Chardonnay.

The Chenin Blanc gives the wine a more “South African taste” and the chardonnay provides the balance and versatility. This wine has pineapple and ripe melon flavours on the nose followed by a limy , full middle palate and finishing in crisp freshness.

Source: examiner.com