Su May Ng, Operations
Chardonnay
We can drink Chardonnay all year round, on any occasion – who needs a reason?
Its bright, crisp and elegant characteristics can be found in numerous prestige Champagnes. For example, in Champagne produced by Ruinart and Pierre Gimonnet & Fils where the Champagne is 100% Blanc de Blancs (meaning the wine is produced entirely from white grapes – in this instance, Chardonnay) or in those made by Krug, Dom Perignon and Bollinger where Chardonnay is blended with Pinot Noir.
Chardonnay is also used to produce stunning white Burgundy. Think Domaine Pierre Yves Colin Morey and Domaine Billaud Simon where the fruit characters are more refined and the wine is a true reflection of the terroir coupled with years of viniculture and experience.
You can also find big, ripe tropical fruit characteristics and oak influence in Chardonnay from California, as seen in wines made by Domaine Racine and La Crema to name a couple.
With such versatility, you will find a Chardonnay to suit your palate.
And closer to home, there is always a glass of Victorian Chardonnay on our wine list such as the In Dreams Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley or for a more luxurious sip, the Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay from our Sommelier selection is a wonderful representation of a Margaret River Chardonnay. Another popular option with citrus and minerality is the Louis Robin Chablis.
I will never say no to a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs when I sit down. In terms of sharing a bottle with guests, the 2019 Domaine Theirry Laffey Les Vaillons is my pick as it proudly displays the characteristics of a 1er Cru Chablis spectacularly. It pairs nicely with our grilled calamari, smoked tomato, green olives and nduja or with the grilled Blue Fin tuna rib eye with horseradish and whey butter. And to finish, Domaine Racine with some blue vein cheese is my go-to.
The protean characteristic of Chardonnay also reflects my personality and way of life. Fun and bright, but also serious and taking things with a more careful approach!
