New Zealand chardonnay: A refreshing alternative to big, oaky styles

Chardonnay has a reputation in the United States for being a heavyweight among white wine grapes, in no small part thanks to the oaky butter-bomb flavor profile popularized in California and pushed in steakhouses coast to coast. However, a growing number of lighter, brighter interpretations are rising in popularity, particularly from cooler regions of the Americas and Southern hemisphere.

Surrounded by frigid ocean currents but drenched in sunshine, New Zealand is home to some of the coldest vineyard areas outside of Europe, resulting in fresh wines with a tendency toward higher in acidity. The Marlborough region produces two-thirds of New Zealand’s wine and is virtually synonymous with sauvignon blanc among wine lovers. Other grapes do perform well here too, though, most notably those that thrive in cold climates such as chardonnay and pinot noir. These are two of the wine world’s top three fine wine grapes, yet New Zealand’s excellent versions are often overlooked, despited being available at temptingly low prices.

Where the plump, rich style associated with California chardonnay is all peaches and cream, with a generous lashing of bourbon-like barrel flavors, the New Zealand style has a snappier and more citrusy vibe. The grape’s signature creamy texture is still present, but the ripeness and oak influence are toned down. The result is a vibrant and refreshing white wine full of green apple and lemon flavors that is lighter in weight than most chardonnays and features only the slightest hint of oak’s vanilla and baking spice aromas.

$11.99, 12.5% alcohol

PLCB Item #0317

Sale price through 8/29 – regularly $16.99

Also available at:

Total Wine & More in Claymont — $11.49; totalwine.com/

Canal’s in Mt. Ephraim — $12.99; mycanals.com/

Benash Liquors & Wines in Cherry Hill — $15.99; benashliquors.com/