Chardonnay is a grape that has numerous detractors, often when it comes to the perception that the wine is always excessively oaky. (It’s a love/hate thing, as Chardonnay also stubbornly remains the best-selling grape in the U.S.) These Chardonnays from all corners of the winemaking map that exhibit either thoughtful and restrained oak treatment, or not at all. In short, these are Chardonnays capable of converting the haters.
If there’s one region in the U.S. where “Burgundian” style rules the day, it’s Oregon’s Willamette Valley—so much so that many actual Burgundian winemakers have been snapping up land there for several decades. Résonance is a label belonging to France’s Maison Louis Jadot group, so it’s no wonder that its Chardonnays speak with a distinctly French accent. The liquid sees French oak, with only 30% of it new, imparting subtle notes of almond and brioche, but letting the grape’s light and expressive qualities such as white flowers and tangerine come to the forefront.
Excerpt Taken From: Men’s Journal
Author: Pamela Vachon
