Chardonnays

This month's top picks from the Lodi Wine and Vistor Center

compiled by MICHAEL PERRY

If you were asked what the most popular selling wine in the world is, would you know the correct answer? Many would be surprised to learn that it is Chardonnay, a versatile grape used to produce outstanding sparkling wines and Champagnes, as well as great table wines.

Chardonnay exhibits subtle aromatic qualities of peach, pear, apple, and butter, with oak aged versions also exhibiting vanilla, spice, and toasty oak. The wines are medium to full bodied, with unoaked Chardonnay exhibiting a clean, crisp, minerally finish, and oak aged Chardonnay exhibiting a buttery, spicy finish with hints of oak and fruit. Both styles are perfect food accompaniments to chicken and fish dishes. Oak aged styles are better suited for the grill, while the unoaked styles do better with more traditionally prepared foods. Both styles do well with pasta and creamy white sauces. Oak aged styles work in harmony with the pastas, while crisp, acidic unoaked styles offer contrast. Also, enjoy both styles with cheese, apple slices, and a variety of other fruits. Here are some local options from Lodi wineries.

Jessie’s Grove 2008 Chardonnay

This Chardonnay is light yellow gold with aromas of peach, apple, pear, and vanilla. Bright acidity focuses core fruit flavors and citrus that leads to a peach syrup and spicy oak finish. ($18) www.jessiesgrovewinery.com

 

 

 

 

Onus 2007 Chardonnay

Light gold, this unoaked Chardonnay offers subtle aromas of pear, tart apple, and minerals. Flavors of nectarine and peach are properly balanced by crisp acidity and a clean, core fruit-oriented finish. ($17) www.onuswines.com

 

 

 

 

Michael-David 2007 “7 Heavenly Chards”

A light yellow gold with perfect clarity, this Chardonnay has aromas and flavors of spicy pear and peach with hints of butter. The lingering finish of citrus and moderate oak invites you to enjoy another glass. ($17) www.lodivineyards.com

 

 

 

 

Harmony Wynelands 2007 Chardonnay

Yellow gold with good clarity, the Harmony Wynelands Chardonnay exhibits crisp acidity throughout. Pineapple and citrus with a clean mineral edge highlight the aromas and flavors. ($16) www.harmonywynelands.com

 

 

 

 

Grady Family Vineyards 2007 “Celtic Chardonnay”

Light gold and clear, aromas of vanilla, core fruits, and butter accent spicy oak and citrus flavors. The wine has a crisp clean lingering finish. ($13) www.gradywine.com

 

 

 

 

 

For more information: Visit the Lodi Wine and Visitor Center, and taste from a selection of over two hundred award-winning Lodi wines. 2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 367-4727, www.lodiwine.com