Phil Your Glass: Celebrate International Chardonnay Day with these three favorites
Chardonnay is one of the most popular white wine varietals. It is the second-most-planted white grape in the world next to airen, a Spanish white grape used to make sherry and brandy. While I favor the Italian and Spanish white wines, I will never thumb my nose at a good glass of chardonnay.
For the sake of simplicity, oaked and unoaked are the main styles of chardonnay. I don’t mind an oaked chardonnay as long as it is balanced: Chateau 2x4 is definitely not my favorite. Unoaked wines can sometimes lack richness. There is no correct style — good wine is wine in your glass that you like. And that’s all that matters.
I sampled 20 different chardonnays from Italy, France, Washington state and California, and narrowed that list to 10. My research team helped select three favorites from the final 10 for this article. Pick one and celebrate International Chardonnay Day on Thursday, May 26.
Head High chardonnay was the favorite of the group
Head High chardonnay was the hands-down favorite of the group. This $19.99 wine from Sonoma, California, shined the brightest. The brand is owned by Bill Price, who also owns the famous Three Sticks label, and has interests in standout brands like Kistler, Kosta Browne, Lutum and Gary Farrell.
This Burgundian-styled chardonnay gets its richness without oak or malolactic fermentation. It’s a tribute to winemaker Britt Richards and the grapes that are mostly sourced from the Durell Vineyard. I loved the abundant tropical aromas of the wine.
A hunk of Irish cheddar was money with this chardonnay. I found a recipe for chicken with mushroom sauce on the internet that paired perfectly.
The Head High pinot noir and chardonnay are among the best value wines under $20.
More:Phil Your Glass: Bill Price hits a high note with Head High pinot noir for less than $20
More:Phil Your Glass: Green & Social verdejo is a delicious white with zero carbon footprint
Buy this wine at Krieger’s Market, Beau’s Market in Copley and Miles Market in Solon. Cornerstone Market in Munroe Falls will be sampling this wine and other four other Phil Your Glass selections from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 28, in the newly expanded wine shop. Tasting fee is $5. See you there.
The Prisoner chardonnay was a hit
Fans of The Prisoner wines will be happy to know that the $39.99 bottle of chardonnay was a hit as well. It had lots of tropical aromas of banana and pineapple. This wine is full-bodied and very balanced. I picked out sensational grilled pineapple and butterscotch flavors.
The winery recommends halibut with brown butter, lemon and capers. We had it with crab Rangoon, ricotta cheese-filled zepperoni rolls from Zeppe’s in Hudson and the same chicken with mushroom sauce that I mentioned previously. As a side note, the chicken with mushroom sauce was amazing with all of the chardonnays we tasted.
Buy this wine at the Market District in Cuyahoga Falls and Green, Krieger's Market, Meijer in Canton, Top Shelf of Ohio in Jackson Township, Acme on Bailey Road and in Hudson, Buehler’s in Canton and Brimfield Liquor.
Panthera chardonnay is elegant and balanced
Panthera chardonnay from Hess’ Lions Head Collection is an elegant wine. You wouldn’t want to hide the beautiful label in a gift bag. It’s a work of art. Just present it to your next wine dinner host upon arrival. I sampled this wine while seated inside Donald Hess’ amazing Mount Veeder art gallery. Definitely one of my favorite Napa Valley winery experiences. I highly recommend booking a tasting on your next trip to California wine country.
This $39.99 bottle is a wonderful example of an oaked chardonnay that is elegant and balanced. I picked out notes of grilled pineapple and ripe peach with a subtle hint of French vanilla.
Mackenzie Creamery’s goat cheese with apricot and ginger and a hunk of Irish cheddar were perfect as was a salmon sushi roll from the Market District. The winery suggested shrimp in a butter and wine sauce. The best sauces include a splash of the wine you are drinking. The food pairing will be much more complementary. Hess’ website is extremely helpful with recipes to pair with all of their wines.
Buy this wine at Krieger's Market, Top Shelf of Ohio in Jackson Township, Fishers Foods on Fulton, D’Agneses Broadview Heights, Heinen’s Hudson, Corkscrew Johnny’s Richfield, Kingfish in Copley, and Twinsburg Beverage.
Email me at philyourglass@gmail.com with any wine questions and follow me on Instagram @pmasturzo_philyourglass.