After I starting pairing food with wine, this Chardonnay from Maison De La Villette, France, year 2019 has been one of the most beautiful bottle of white wines that I have tried. Besides, for only $20 AUD, the quality is so good that really, is a white with great value. Moreover, the main reason I got it, was to paired with my spaghetti and prawns. In fact, Chardonnays go well with prawns and for sure more food, where I will tell you later in this post. Now, let’s get to know more about this white wine.
What to know about Chardonnay
First of all, Chardonnay is the world’s most planted white wine grape, grown virtually everywhere wine is produced. But its home is Burgundy, where is responsible for virtually all the region’s whites. Besides, it’s easy to grow and turn into wine, and is one of the most versatile grapes in the world.
Famous regions
- Burgundy (France)
- California (USA)
- New Zealand is under the radar with crisp, high-acid Chardonnays, which can be particularly compelling
FLAVORS
A very ripe Chardonnay will have flavors more towards tropical fruits like pineapple, guava and mango. On the other hand, a barely ripe Chardonnay will have green apple and lemon flavors.
(Berries, fruit, citrus) Lemon, Apple, Pear, Pineapple, Jackfruit, Passionfruit, Peach, Fig.
Other (herb, spice, flower, mineral, earth, other) Apple Blossom, Lemon Zest, Citrus Peel, Celery leaf, Beeswax, Lemon balm, Honeysuckle, Wet flint rocks, Saline Solution, Vanilla Bean, Almond, Jasmine.
Oak (flavors added with oak aging) Vanilla, Baked Tart, Butter, Pie Crust, Caramelized Sugar, Creme Brulee, Dill, Coconut, Praline.
CHARDONNAY SERVING TEMPERATURE
Unoaked: 48 ºF (9 ºC) and Oaked: 54 ºF (12 ºC)
ACIDITY
Medium Low (oaked warm climate) – Medium High (unoaked cool climate)
Don’t Say You Hate Chardonnay but Love White Burgundy
As I said before, in one of my latest wine post France and Italy label their wines by appellation (region) rather than varietal (grape). Besides, Chablis and Pouilly-Fuissé are also made from Chardonnay. So, keep it in mind that they are very similar but what really makes the difference is the weather.
For example, a Chablis from the far north of Burgundy the weather is hotter. Therefore, winemakers often add acid to compensate for very ripe grapes with low natural acidity. As a result, Chablis have much more acid than a Chardonnay from the Southern- hemisphere, where the climate is cooler.
Chardonnay Pairing with Food
It’s time to go with the food that has better harmony with Chardonnays.
Vegetables Pairing
- Grilled Vegetables
Seafood Pairing
- Scallops
- Prawns
- Lobster (California Chardonnay)
- Cod
Meats Pairing
- Chicken if is roasted match it with “California Chardonnay” and if it is fried, is better to go with a “Grüner Veltliner”. Because, remember that the preparation, you choose will affect the pairing.
- Dim Sum (Chinese food)
“Welcome to my world to eat and drink delicious “
Samurai Gourmet Pairing
In fact, after I bought this french Chardonnay, there was a little bit of uncertainty. Although, it’s happening every time afterwards buying a bottle. In other words, if it’s good, it’s feels as I discovered gold and if it’s bad, it becomes the next cooking wine at home. So, it’s not a big deal. Due to, I usually don’t splurge much about wines. That is to say, my spend range is between $20 to $80AUD. Because, I want to focus in great value. In short, can you imagine, How I felt after have gotten this Chardonnay for $20 AUD. Not to mention, it was delicious that literally I didn’t feel as discovering gold but fire. In the prehistory age.
Spaghetti & Prawns
The wine was beautiful, besides paired with the spaghetti & prawns, just glorious. Because, Chardonnay plays incredible well with prawns. Moreover, the sauce was so good. To have an idea, the base is a French sauce that is made with prawns or any others shell called bisque. Which I used it as a stock to enrich my sauce. Plus, the garlic, oregano and black pepper, to enhance the flavours. As a result, it was a magnificent dinner, where I ate and drunk delicious.
You might be thinking how to make this pasta. In fact, the new section of recipes on Samurai Gourmet is coming soon, to improve your dining experience at home
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Key Information
CHARDONNAY MAISON DE LA VILLETTE, FRANCE 2019
Rate: 9,0/10
Price: $20 AUD
From: France, Languedoc
Varietal: Chardonnay
Where to buy it in Melbourne
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