Chardonnay - Rest of the New World
(including Argentina, Canada, Chile, China & New Zealand)
Tasters found wines they liked, but there didn’t seem to be the strength in depth that we’ve seen here over the past couple of years.
Perhaps it’s because, as more than one judge pointed out, many New World countries are still getting to grips with the more linear, reductive style that Australia, in particular, has perfected so well over the past 15 years.
If we had a consistent criticism it’s that we’d like to see more good, workmanlike Chardies under £12. It doesn’t all have to be about making Burgundy cru wannabes.
From The Tasting Teams
‘Argentina was a difficult flight – lean wines with acid being added. The tradition is for big, heavy wines, and these winemakers have gone in the other direction. It feels similar to what’s happening in Australia.’ James Fryer, Woodhead 17
‘A lack of personality from Chile – it looks like they tried to copy someone else. They used oak to give structure but they didn’t tell any story.’ Filippo Pastorini, consultant
‘My favourite New Zealand Chardonnay was still a bit expensive, and it would be hard to sell, but you can push it.’ Aurore Anguenot, Aviary
‘Very good quality from Chile, and the price point is effective as well. It’s an easy sell – Chile is in the mind of everyone. We had two different styles, some oaky and some not oaky, some fresh and fruity, some more complex and more structured. There was a Chardonnay for every profile.’ Rémi Cousin, Le Gavroche
‘These New Zealand Chardonnays had much better winemaking than I’ve seen in the past, with restraint and sexiness.’ Mattia Mazzi, Cornerstone