able quality, classic, traditional, and
long-lived; and that is exactly like a
Premier or Grand Cru white Bur-
gundy. Finally, for the Chardonnay
wines of the Mâconnais: Recall a
colorful Rubens nude, here’s a style of
wine that is just like one of those love-
ly ladies pictured on a velvet divan:
full-bodied, fun and sexy.”
Given this metaphorical framework,
perhaps a big, oaky, buttery California
Chardonnay would equate to Picasso
in a bottle. The real point, of course, is
that selling Chardonnay today means
embracing its diversity. One wine drink-
er’s “too big” is another’s “just right.”
For some people, the riper the fruit the
better, while others are looking for nu-
ances beyond fruit. So the trick, then,
for both on- and off-premise merchants
is to offer as many styles of Chardonnay
as possible.
When it comes to Chardonnay,
more is more, so to speak. Feature more
Chardonnays in your in-store tast-
ings or wine-by-the-glass promotions.
Showcase various brands in your cata-
logs, on your menus, in your email
promotions and newsletters. And al-
ways, always, don’t forget staff tastings
and training.
As big as Chardonnay is already,
with a bit more attention and focus
on all its palatable permutations, this
versatile grape is more than capable of
delivering barrels full of steady sales and
profits. Chardonnay success is all about
selection—and it never was much of a
secret in the first place.
n
Napa Cellars,
Napa Valley;
$12.95
Rich and tropical. It strikes a
great balance between acidity
and oak. Great with food or by
itself as a cocktail wine. A real
crowd-pleaser.
—
Magid Nazari
Ludwig’s Fine Wine
San Anselmo, CA
Robert Mondavi
Private Selection,
Central Coast;
$11.19
This is a great Chardonnay for
the price. It has a lightly fruity
essence with a smoky oak un-
dertone. It really goes great with
a nice salmon dish.
—
Alex Patel
Elephant Discount Wine & Liquor
Kearny, NJ
Sean Minor
“
Four Bears,”
Central Coast;
$16.49
It’s a little more than $15, but
one of my new favorites is the
Sean Minor “Four Bears” bottling.
This beautifully balanced Char-
donnay shows a touch of apple
and pear with some soft notes
of tropical fruit. The oak is very
pleasant without being overpow-
ering. Enjoy it wine with seafood,
cream sauces, pasta, chicken,
sautéed veggies, even tapas.
—
Zach Padilla
The Liquor Store & Wine Loft
Jackson Hole, WY
Simmonet-Febvre
Chablis;
$11.99
If I can establish that the
customer is not looking for a
Chardonnay all tarted-up with
oak, I recommend the Simmonet-
Febvre Chablis. Crisp, un-oaked
Chardonnay with distinct mineral
tones, this is a classic match
for shellfish, and a stellar value.
Many Americans are fed up with
oaky fruit-bombs, but they don't
insist on ABC.
—
Peter Meier
Bayway World of Liquor
Elizabeth, NJ
St. Francis,
Sonoma County;
$11.99
It is round, and balanced. Neither
too oaky nor too fruity like so
many other bargain California
Chardonnays.
—
Ian Reilly
Post Wine & Spirits
Syosset, NY
Talbott
“
Kali Hart,”
Monterey;
$16.99
If someone is shopping for a
wine in the $15 range, we have
had great success recommend-
ing Talbot Kali Hart Chardonnay;
it is just a little more expensive
and we often put on special for
$14.99. We tell our customers it
is an easy-drinking, soft, round
Chardonnay that everyone likes
and they’ll not be disappointed.
—
Doug Cibuls
Lake Buy-Rite Liquor
Ronkonkoma NY
Tres Palacios
Reserve, Chile;
$10.99
This may be the best-value
Chardonnay in the store. Exotic
aromas of poached pear, peach
skin, truffle and white pepper. A
smoky note builds with air and
carries onto the palate, adding
complexity to the fresh orchard
and pit fruit flavors. Manages
to be dense and lively at once,
finishing with very good clarity.
A striking resemblance to Grand
Cru white Burgundy. A steal at
the asking price.
—
Ned Morello
Westchester Wine Warehouse
White Plains, NY
Wente
“
Morning Fog,”
Livermore Valley;
$10.95
Most people who say they don’t
like Chardonnay have been
drinking the wrong type and just
need to discover the style they
prefer and move on from there.
First you need to determine what
they like in a Chard. If it’s big,
with butter and oak, then Wente
Morning Fog. Or perhaps they
prefer more fruit and acidity?
Foxglove Central Coast Chardon-
nay ($12.95) would be a good
match.
—
Bill Vnenchak
Liquor Outlet Wine Cellars
Boonton, NJ
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