- The Grape
White out: the 4 white wines to drink in autumn and winter
Known for its full-bodied flavour and versatility, chardonnay is the pick of the whites as the temperature drops. Here are our top finds.
As the cooler months arrive, it’s time to switch from light-bodied, crisp whites to fuller-bodied wines that can stand up to heartier meals. Enter chardonnay, a versatile wine all year round, but particularly for the autumn and winter seasons. Not only is it one of the most popular white grape varieties worldwide – and one of the best Australian white wines you can buy – it also delivers a delicious range of styles and flavours, from light and fresh to richer and bolder.
Known for its buttery texture, oaky notes, and fruity flavours, the bolder style of chardonnay is the perfect wine to pair with comfort foods like roasted chicken, creamy pasta dishes, and rich seafood. We’d like to introduce you to four of the best chardonnays and their ideal food pairings for the season.
Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay
What to look for: Each sip of Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay unveils flavours of apple, pear and vanilla, with a creamy texture and a hint of oak.
Who made it (and where): A finalist in the International White category in the 2023 Best of Wine Awards, this wine was made by Wente Vineyards – one of California’s oldest family-owned and continuously operated wineries, established in 1883 in the Livermore Valley.
Did you know? The Wente family pioneered the “Wente clone” of chardonnay grapes, now planted in many chardonnay vineyards in California. The wine takes its name from the coastal fog that pushes into the vineyard valley every morning by the Pacific winds from the San Francisco Bay area. This phenomenon creates the perfect climate for chardonnay grapes to achieve their delicate flavour profile.
Try it with: Roast chicken, butternut pumpkin risotto, or creamy pasta dishes such as a garlicky boscaiola or a simple carbonara.
Yering Station Into the Valley Chardonnay
What to look for: This chardonnay was a finalist among the Australian white wines in the White $25 and Under (Bolder Varietals) category in the 2023 Best of Wine Awards. It has citrus and tropical fruit notes, with a touch of oak, a hint of nutty almond meal and a long, crisp finish.
Who made it (and where): Yering Station, one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia.
Did you know? Yering Station is known for its commitment to sustainable winemaking practices, using solar energy and recycled water in their operations. Established in 1838, Yering is the traditional name used by First Nations people for the land on which the vineyard is situated, and it was the first vineyard in the state of Victoria.
Try it with: Grilled seafood, chicken and mushroom pie, or roasted pork with apple sauce.
Forester Estate Premium Chardonnay
What to look for: A finalist in the Premium White (Bolder Varietals) category in the 2023 Best of Wine Awards, Forester Estate Premium Chardonnay is a full-flavoured wine with a rich mix of peach notes and hints of earthy cashew and nougat. Balanced by toasty oak, it delivers a lovely zesty length.
Who made it (and where): Forester Estate in Margaret River, Western Australia.
Did you know? Forester Estate’s chardonnay grapes are handpicked and whole-bunch pressed, which preserves the fruit’s natural flavours and aromas. The Margaret River region is known for its perfect vine-growing soil, and together with its temperate maritime climate and innovative winemakers, is producing wines that are feted throughout the world.
Try it with: Pumpkin ravioli, grilled veal cutlets or creamy vegetable gratins.
Howard Park Terroir Margaret River Chardonnay
What to look for: Expect a lighter, leaner style of chardonnay – the Terroir has fragrant melon and cashew notes, a subtle hint of lemon curd, brioche and lime and a soft finish.
Who made it (and where): Howard Park Wines, a family-owned winery based in Margaret River, Western Australia.
Did you know? Howard Park is a member of Australia‘s First Families of Wine, a collective of 10 multi-generational family-owned winemakers. Other members include well-known names such as Henschke, Tyrrell’s and Yalumba.
Try it with: Grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or baked brie with honey and walnuts.
Products featured are available from 17/05/23 to 27/06/23, while stocks last. Some products or varieties featured may not be available in all stores.
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