Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Chardonnay 2018
A sumptuous mixture of ripe stone fruit and crisp orchard and citrus fruits, while the 13.5% ABV brings a glamorous richness.
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay
About:
One of the most planted grape varieties in the world, Chardonnay is now found in virtually every wine region across the globe. Primarily used for sparkling wine production in the UK, there are increasing examples of varietal still whites and blends using the variety. Classically blended with red varieties, PInot Noir and Pinot Meunier, using the Champagne method, it is also used to make 100% Chardonnay méthode champenoise wines (Blanc de Blancs).
Early bud burst makes it susceptible to damage from frost but in the growing season it can be quite vigorous. Acids can be quite high at harvest (thus making it suitable for sparkling wine) but secondary fermentation (and malolactic fermentation) softens this out.
In sparkling wine, Chardonnay tends to provide the ‘backbone’ and ‘structure’ but flavour characteristics tend to include citrus, apple and orchard fruit notes. In still wines (some of the more successful examples have included those by Chapel Down and Simpsons) there is a similar flavour profile along with peach and apricot notes.
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A promising Chardonnay with notes of ripe apple and peach, butterscotch and toasted spice.
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Albourne Estate Chardonnay Barrel 24 2018
Brisk, bold but subtly tempered acidity integrates nicely with rich peachy and apricot flavours.
Balfour Hush Heath Saignée Rosé 2018
The generosity and ripeness of the 2018 vintage manifests itself in waves of ripe red and black berries.
Woodchester Valley Reserve Cuvée 2017
Ripe fruit at the forefront with an orchard fruit fusion of ripe red apple, and generous peachiness.
Busi-Jacobsohn Cuvée Brut 2018
Fine-tuned, linear acidity and crunchy green apples lead to riper pear and apricot flavours.
Wiston Estate Cuvée Brut 2015
A hint of tangy red berries and lots of nutty pastry complexity, leading to a clean mineral finish.
Ashling Park Estate Cuvée NV
Superbly wholesome and precise, but seasoned with just the right amount of spiced pastry and biscuit to add structure and texture.
Wiston Estate Blanc de Blancs 2015
This latest Wiston is showing lots of potential already but it is really going to start to sing with a few more years in the bottle.
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Very pure, with a textured oaty grip that contrasts well with the clean, precise fruit flavours and delicate minerality
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