TheBurg

42 | theburg | 04.16 O f the seven wines known as "noble," only two are white, Riesling and Chardonnay. Both are the finest of their type, with Riesling dominating the vineyards of Germany, and Chardonnay the most popular white grape in French Burgundy. ey both have a rich and elegant past, but the Gallic grape has received a tremendous amount of bad press, which I feel is not deserved. In Burgundy, this grape has been cultivated and cloned for centuries. e best are rich and have wonderful flavors of green apples, stone fruits and buttered toast. ey also have the ability to age gracefully and cost a small fortune. e stainless steel versions from the French villages of Macon are well worth seeking out. My favorite Chards come from Saint-Veran and Chablis, which show great quality and are reasonable in price, while allowing the drinker to taste the famous Burgundy terroir. Other Chardonnays do not reach this pinnacle because of the nature of the fruit and how it reacts to climate and soil. In warmer climates, the flavors of tropical fruits dominate the wine. is is clearly obvious in Chards from California and Australia. You also can find Chardonnay in two distinct versions, oaked and unoaked. is is an indication of barrel fermentation, as opposed to the same process in stainless steel. Both can be pleasant and easy to drink, as well as a great match with light fare. Héritiers Du Comte Lafond Macon-Villages 2014 Code 490731 | 750 ML | $22.99 macon, in the southern part of Burgundy, is known for lower-priced wines, all 100% Chardonnay. Brown says, " is is a powerhouse example that sets it apart from many of its competitors." Certified biodynamic, this is a gem and offers layers of complex flavors for a simple macon! Maison Champy Chablis 2014 Code 49720 | 750 ML | $19.99 a terrific entry-level Chablis that gives a true sense of the flinty minerality of the region. Chardonnay grown in this part of Burgundy is known for showcasing the mineral content of the soil types. Château Bonnet Beaujolais Blanc 2013 Code 45114 | 750 ML | $16.99 While Beaujolais is mostly known for its red wines made from gamay, Chardonnay is planted and can make for easy-drinking, lovely white wines. french luxury buyer Jennifer Brown says, " is is a charming wine, made from a small family estate. e palate is clean, crisp, and offers notes of green apple and citrus." CHardonnay: THe TerroirisT it's time to rediscover this refreshing white grape. by Steve JuLIANA Keep sipping, Steve Aging wine in barrels is one thing, but the practice of simply adding wooden staves or even wood powder into the fermenting tanks gives the quaff the flavor of grapefruit and tannin. is has become such a wine type that it has spawned ABC clubs (anything but Chardonnay). Closer to home, you'll find abundant Chardonnays on any wine trail in Pennsylvania. A good summer sipper widely available locally, it contributes to our area's uniqueness and livability. ere is another option that appeals to wine drinkers of all stripes. Champagne is the great sparkling French wine of that same-named region and is used on bottles of bubbly all over the world. e words to look for on the label are blanc de blancs. is means a white wine made from white grapes, the finest of which is Chardonnay. e secondary fermentation transforms the still wine into the most ethereal of beverages, a fine match to foods complex and simple. California has a huge bubbly industry, and vintners use French grapes in many of their wines—some may even be labeled Champagne. Fair enough. Just know that this white grape can be enjoyed in many wines with or without bubbles. And it can be wonderful.

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