Sips & Snacks in April

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Wine of the Month

Chardonnay

The History of Chardonnay

The world's favorite white wine, Chardonnay, is our wine of the month. It's easy to grow and it's essentially the middle child that will persist because it's stubborn enough to succeed when planted anywhere.

Cool climate? Plant it. It will grow.

Warm climate? Plant it. It will grow.

Italy? Yep.

Washington? Yep.

California? Yep.

South Africa? Yep.

The Chardonnay grape is the main grape used in Champagne and sparkling wines and is most loved for its easy drinkability. It also has an incredibly vast range of aromas and flavors. One could say it has multiple personalities (in the best way, of course). Burgundy, France is the original home to this white grape varietal.

Cool climate = very high acidity and crisp, green fruit flavor.

Warm climate = ripe, tropical fruit flavor.

Chardonnay - Not a fan? I was hesitant to pour a glass of Chardonnay until I tried an UNOAKED Chardonnay during a wine club night last year and started to educate myself on the flavor differences with the two types. For years I had categorized Chardonnay with that overwhelming bold, oak taste that I could not appreciate.

Let's explore the oaked vs. unoaked :: I've seen it described as the first born, rule following sibling compared to the wild, free spirited middle child. I tend to agree.

Oaked Chardonnay is aged in oak barrels (those big, beauties you see lined in wineries) where unoaked Chardonnay is aged in stainless steel tanks. This means the type of barrel or aging process used directly changes the taste of your wine. Take the time and learn the verbage of what you prefer in flavors. When a Chardonnay is described as having notes of vanilla, baking spices, or butter the rule is this is an oaked Chardonnay and has gone through a process called malolactic fermentation. While the unoaked version brings crisp, floral and citrus fruit flavors to the party.

Regionally, it is most common to have your oaked Chardonnay to come from warmer climate wine regions like

• Southern & Eastern Australia

• Napa Valley, Paso Robles and Lake County in California

• Mendoza Argentina

• Burgundy, France (Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault and Mâconnais)

• Puglia, Italy

While, your unoaked Chardonnay is from cooler climate wine regions like

• Sonoma Coast, California

• Western Australia

• Loire and Chablis, France

• Colchagua and Casablanca Valley, Chile

• Oregon

My two picks this month include my Sweet Spot Pick - River Road Unoaked Chardonnay 2022 ($14.99) from the Sonoma Coast California region (Russian River Valley) and my Special Day Pick - Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2022 ($67.97) from Napa Valley California region (Carneros).

Wine Folly Map of California's Wine Country

Sweet Spot Chardonnay

River Road Unoaked Chardonnay 2022 - $14.99

This was a perfect unoaked selection that is aged in stainless steel. It is lighter than a normal Chardonnay, as it has green apple and is a bit crisp, yet it still has a Chardonnay feel. I suggest serving it with my Smoked Salmon Dip (recipe below.) Did I mention it is under $15? Cheers!

River Road Unoaked Chardonnay 2022 - $14.99

Special Day Chardonnay

Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2022 - $69.97

SMOOTH and buttery, yet somehow this amazing Chardonnay still stays away from the heavy oak flavors that often turn me off with a Chardonnay. I found this to have a touch of fruit, but not too much. It is the perfect pair to lobster and date night. I hope you enjoy it, too!

Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2022 - $69.97

Food Pairing

If a lovely glass of your favorite Chardonnay was searching for the perfect mate, here is what should be on that list. How the foods are prepared and seasoned is essential when pairing with your Chardonnay.

Meats: chicken, pork

Seafood: shrimp, crab, halibut

Veggies/Fruits: potato, squash, mango, apple

Spices/Herbs: garlic, chives, rosemary

Cheeses : fresh mozzarella, brie, fontina

Sauces: mild cheese sauce, butter sauce

Dessert: cheesecake, bread pudding, pumpkin pie

The best part of Chardonnay having two "personalities" is the range of dishes you can serve with each.

My Lobster Bisque is awesome with a rich, buttery Chardonnay like Shafer's Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay.

My favorite way to compliment an unoaked Chardonnay, like River Road's Chardonnay, is with this Smoked Salmon Dip on a summer day.

My kids love it on a toasted bagel.

Cocktail

S'mores Espresso Martini

Mocktail

Espresso Martini Mocktail

I have been on the hunt for the best premixed mocktails.

This is a really good Espresso Martini!

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Please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive.

This information is for people over the age of 21.

Pregnant women should not drink alcohol.

-As Noted by Me-