Chardonnay - Australia
This was very much a part of the competition with mixed messages. On one hand, the total number of Golds was slightly disappointing (we’d hoped for a pick-up on last year); on the other hand, that lovely spread of prices suggests our teams were choosing from a position of strength.
Equally, although we got half the number of Aussie Chardonnay Silvers compared to last year, the country still dominated the top medals with this grape variety in the New World – and feedback from our tasters was very positive.
Australia has settled down into two very different styles – the slimmer, smoky, struck-match-style wines, and the richer, plumper, more tropical offerings. Which style you’re looking for probably depends on your customers as much as anything – and there were fans for both.
Pricing wasn’t especially cheap (so well done to Robert Oatley for its sub-£10 Gold) but there was generally a sleekness and class to these that makes them viable Burgundy substitutes.
From The Tasting Teams
‘The Margaret River wines were very food friendly, with lots of vibrant acidity and delicate stone fruit and passion fruit. They’re probably Burgundian in terms of price point, but with a different flavour profile.’ Vivienne Franks, Aspects of Wine
‘These definitely have a place on a list, particularly those from the cooler climates. Those overripe, creamy wines aren’t the thing nowadays.’ Erik Simonics, Annabel’s
‘Margaret River has a distinctive style that showed through the entire range of wines we tried. There was sometimes this toasted sesame seed and smokiness, and sometimes tropical, rich styles. Many did a really good job of expressing those classic characters.’ Jan Konetzki, team leader
‘Tasmania was impressive here, leaning more to the Burgundian style, with quite well-integrated oak. Overall, they’re expensive, though – I’d want the ones below £20.’ Emanuel Pesqueira, Edwardian Hotels London
‘There was a mix of oaky, stone fruit, heavy-bodied styles, all the way to fresh, green fruit in the lighter styles. You really see the evolution of Australian Chardonnay from what it used to be to what it is today.’ Elena Serban, Heritage Restaurant
‘We’re all searching for textured white wines to serve instead of Burgundy, and Margaret River is definitely one that works, and has its own personality.’ Jan Konetzki, team leader
‘The richer style shifts more easily across the Midlands; those fatter styles are more readily taken.’ Antóin UáRuairc, UK Midland Sommelier