Friday, October 7 at Table Wine in South Asheville from 4-7pm – Blind Chardonnay Tasting – $5 per person……..free for Grape Nuts – I want to stress that this tasting is for both the proclaimed Chard lover and the supposed hater! It is my opinion that those who claim to hate Chardonnay have never actually had one that is clean and crisp and fermented in stainless steel as opposed to oak barrels. Did you know that Chardonnays made this way can often taste almost like Sauvignon Blanc?
Join us as we dispel myths about this oft-misunderstood grape variety. We’ll sample 5 different Chardonnays from various parts of the globe, and there will be one “mystery wine” thrown into the mix. The fun part of it all is that all of the wines will be wrapped in bags, so you’ll have no idea what the brand is, where it’s from or any of that jazz. You’ll be provided with a rating sheet and a pen………and a glass of course! The lineup is below, but it is no particular order of course:
1. Nugan Estate Chardonnay Riverina, Australia – This is one of those perfect “in between” styles of Chardonnay, meaning that it’s rich but sees zero oak influence. Ripe melon and peach fruit open up to reveal butterscotch and fig notes.
89 points – Stephen Tanzer
2. Domaine de Martinolles Chardonnay, France – Here is your super-clean, zesty style of stainless steel fermented Chardonnay. From a 50 year old, organically farmed vineyard in Limoux in southern France, this one is loaded with ripe spiced apple, peach and citrus notes.
90 points – Josh Spurling
3. Josh Cellars Chardonnay North Coast, California – I had to throw this one in, not just because I love the name but because I think it is a great example of nicely balanced California Chardonnay. Smooth and creamy, with just a kiss of oak, this one oozes class and sophistication. Ripe apple and tropical fruits are abundant in this wine made with fruit from vineyards in Napa and Sonoma.
4. Terra Andina Chardonnay Reserva Casablanca Valley, Chile – This is what I would call well balanced Chardonnay. Chile’s Casablanca Valley enjoys similar weather patterns as California’s Russian River Valley, so look for pear and apple fruit, moderate acidity and subtle toasty oak.
89 points – The Wine Advocate
5. Mystery Wine – Will it be Chardonnay? Will it be Sauvignon Blanc? Or will it just be something freaky good from Josh’s private stash?