Chardonnay – Fresh Choice Nelson

It’s the latest article from our wine expert, Neil Hodgson, this week Neil is talking Chardonnay at Fresh Choice Nelson.

Chardonnay is the wine I turn to when I want something easy to drink but is also a wine that offers flavour, elegance and choice. I say choice because Chardonnay grapes offer the winemaker plenty of choices when it comes to how they handle the fruit in the winery and that means consumers have choice as to the style of Chardonnay they drink.

There was a time back in the 1980’s and ‘90’s that big oaky Chardonnays were the style people loved, the only problem with that is many of these wines were single dimensional however winemakers who applied a delicate touch were able to deliver oak-driven wines with some elegance, Neudorf Vineyards were the masters of this style.

In more recent times consumers have become more discerning and the number of wineries in New Zealand has grown hugely resulting in more competition for space on the retail shelves and your money so winemakers had to create a point of difference to get the consumer’s attention.

More producers, more styles equals more choice for consumers and that is a good thing. Nelson winemakers have been incredibly successful with the production of Chardonnay, Neudorf Vineyards are still world-class producers while others such as Brightwater Vineyards, Greenhough Vineyards, Blackenbrook Vineyards, Seifried Estate, Waimea Estate, Rimu Grove, Moutere Hills and others have all achieved great things with the variety.

You can buy very good examples for as little as $18- $20 and if you are prepared to spend a few more dollars your choices expand too, the Grocer at Fresh Choice Nelson has a huge range between $23 and $30. Neudorf Vineyards Rosie’s Block Chardonnay 2015 is a very classy wine that you can buy for less than $30.

I haven’t touched on wines from other regions or other countries but if you are a Chardonnay lover then the Grocer at Fresh Choice Nelson has a huge range in store for you to choose from.