The Diversity of Chardonnay Styles

The world of chardonnay is a complex and multifaceted one, with a wide range of styles and interpretations that can often leave even the most seasoned wine enthusiasts scratching their heads. At its core, chardonnay is a versatile grape variety that can be grown in a variety of climates and regions, resulting in wines that can range from crisp and refreshing to rich and indulgent. However, the chardonnay style has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, particularly in Australia, where the wine industry has seen a shift away from the traditional buttery, oaky styles that dominated the market in the 1990s and early 2000s.

From Butter to Balance

In the past, Australian winemakers were under pressure to produce wines that were reminiscent of the rich, full-bodied chardonnays that were popular in the US market. This led to a proliferation of oaky, buttery styles that often dominated the shelves. However, in recent years, there has been a swing back towards leaner, cleaner chardonnays that prioritize balance and freshness over richness and indulgence. This shift is reflected in the growing popularity of wines like the Sacred Hill Chardonnay, which is known for its crisp acidity and fruit-forward flavors.

A Range of Styles

De Bortoli, a well-respected winery in the Yarra Valley, has recently added a new style to their range: a Buttery Chardonnay. The wine is described as “rich, indulgent” and “celebrates the richness and texture that many people love”, and is priced at $20. This new release highlights the diversity of chardonnay styles and the demand for wines that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Winemaker’s Perspective

Winemaker Joel Veenhuizen of De Bortoli shared his vision for the new wine: “Our goal with the Buttery Chardonnay was to create a chardonnay that celebrates the richness and texture that many people love, while still feeling fresh and balanced.”

Veenhuizen’s approach to winemaking is reflected in the wine’s balanced acidity and the careful selection of fruit with expressive stone fruit notes.

Tasting Notes

When tasting the three wines alongside each other, it was clear that each one had its own unique character and charm. The Sacred Hill Chardonnay was the simplest of the three, with a crisp acidity and a hint of flintiness. The De Bortoli Buttery Chardonnay was richer and more indulgent, with a full-bodied texture and a range of flavors, including stonefruit, peach, and citrus. The third wine, a De Bortoli Estate Vineyard Yarra Valley Chardonnay, was more complex and nuanced, with a range of flavors and a smooth, rounded finish.

Conclusion

The world of chardonnay is a complex and multifaceted one, with a wide range of styles and interpretations that can often leave even the most seasoned wine enthusiasts scratching their heads. However, by exploring the different styles and interpretations, we can gain a deeper understanding of the diversity of chardonnay and the demand for wines that cater to different tastes and preferences. Ultimately, the great chardonnay debate is not just about whether you like one style over another, but about how you like them, and the many different ways that chardonnay can be expressed.

• Chardonnay is a versatile grape variety that can be grown in a variety of climates and regions, resulting in wines that can range from crisp and refreshing to rich and indulgent.
• The chardonnay style has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, particularly in Australia, where the wine industry has seen a shift away from the traditional buttery, oaky styles that dominated the market in the 1990s and early 2000s.
• De Bortoli’s new Buttery Chardonnay is a reflection of the growing demand for wines that cater to different tastes and preferences, and highlights the diversity of chardonnay styles.

Quoted Section

“We carefully selected fruit with expressive stone fruit notes and guided the wine through malolactic fermentation and oak maturation to achieve what we believe is a beautifully textured and full-bodied wine.”

– Joel Veenhuizen, Winemaker at De Bortoli

Highlights

* De Bortoli’s new Buttery Chardonnay is a reflection of the growing demand for wines that cater to different tastes and preferences. * The wine is priced at $20 and is available now. * The Sacred Hill Chardonnay is a great example of a fruit-forward style, priced at $7. * The De Bortoli Estate Vineyard Yarra Valley Chardonnay is a complex and nuanced wine, priced at $25.

Definitions

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A style of chardonnay that is rich, indulgent, and celebratory, often with a full-bodied texture and a range of flavors. *

A style of chardonnay that is characterized by its bright acidity and flavors of stone fruit, citrus, and other fruit flavors. *

A style of chardonnay that is characterized by its complexity and nuance, often with a range of flavors and a smooth, rounded finish.