Wine on the Radio - April 16, 2004

Chardonnay Styles

One of the wonderful things about wine is the many styles to enjoy . . . and to match up to our almost infinite tastes.

Take chardonnay for example. Not only does every winemaker put in their personal touch but each country has a unique style.

Chile gives us soft and round chard without a lot of acidity. The Australians, as usual, are a breed apart, giving a range from opulent tropical fruit styles to the current "un-wooded" versions.

The French have mastered chardonnay in the chilliest climate with wines that are steely, yet crisply elegant and long-lived. And American wines are full of life with incredible consistency and balance.

No style is better than the other . . . they are what they are and each can fit an occasion, a mood or a meal.

But when you know the style you like it's like taking a short cut to avoid the traffic. You have the confidence to follow your own path.

Experiment. Taste. Compare. It's the fun of wine.

Pop the cork™.

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