Attributes:

Brancott Vineyards

New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand

Chardonnay

750 ML

2004: WineEnthusiast Rating: 85

tart

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 88

bright

apricot, earthy, mineral, pear

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 85

tart

sweet

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 85

light-bodied

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 88

ripe

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 86

straightforward

2000: Tanzer Rating: 87

apple, apricot, peach, spicy

2000: WineEnthusiast Rating: 85

rich

tropical fruits, vanilla

juicy

Food Matches:

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.

Although it makes just one-tenth the wine of neighboring Australia, this country’s production is increasing every year. Its white wines are generally unoaked with pronounced flavor, rich texture, and high acidity. The South Island’s renowned Sauvignon Blanc is so distinctive that it can be compared to asparagus, limes, grass, or passion fruit. This region also excels in intense Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Cabernet Sauvignon grows well on the North Island, yielding an intense, berry fruit. There the Pinot Noirs are rich and the Chardonnays are soft and ripe but well balanced.

Attributes:

Almaden

California, United States

Rose

3 L

Food Matches:

California produces the majority of wine made in the United States. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir dominate the wine production in California, but many other varietials thrive in the California climate. Many fine wines are produced in California using Mediterranean grapes.

Attributes:

Selbach

Bernkastel, Germany

Riesling

750 ML

Food Matches:

(REESE ling)—a grape that comes mostly from the Mosel and Rheingau regions of Germany (where it is a noble variety), the Finger Lakes region of New York, and Alsace region of France, and Austria. Although often thought of as “sweet,” many Rieslings are quite dry. The word trocken on German bottles indicates dryness. The trademarks of Riesling are high acidity, low to medium alcohol levels, and aromas and flavors that range from fruity and flowery to mineral. Also called Johannesburg Riesling or White Riesling.