Summer Chardonnays

June 2015
Written By: 
James Ginley
Fermented in stainless steel: no oak, all fruit

Latour Pouilly-Vinzelles “En Paradis” Chardonnay 2012
Macon, France, $16

Latour also makes a Meursault and Puligny Montrachet that sell for more than $60. This wine comes from a larger area nearby and can nearly match its more famous cousins in taste. It has stone fruit aromas, sweet honey and floral notes that fill the palate with a luxurious mouth feel. Complex yet simple, exotic fruits run throughout the flavor profile.

Foxglove Chardonnay 2012
Central Coast, California, $15

The classic aromas and taste of peach and apple with a little note of spice make this a juicy and delicious wine to enjoy all summer long. For such a big wine, it’s a small price for a stainless steel fermented. An 87-point wine from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

Chateau St. Jean “Bijou” Chardonnay 2013    
California, $11

The unoaked version of the very popular Sonoma Chardonnay from Chateau St. Jean, this one has refreshing crispness and fills your mouth with peach, pineapple and passion fruit. They all come together for a fruit-forward taste. It can be enjoyed with many foods and it also perfect to enjoy by itself on a hot day.

A to Z Chardonnay 2012
Oregon, $13

It says “No Wood” on the label, so you know it was fermented in stainless steel tanks, which enhance the fruitiness of the wine. The nose is full of kiwi and tangerine aromas, plus pear and stone fruits. Well-balanced freshness on the palate adds minerality and structure with a zesty finish as the final complement.

Ma Fleur Pays d’Oc Chardonnay 2013
Languedoc, France, $9

For less than $10, you get a 100 percent Chardonnay aged in stainless steel with little or no oak aging. A fruit-forward example of a fresh French Chardonnay. Another white that drinks great alone or with almost any dish.

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