The Awful Truth About Chardonnay

When I first started going out with the girls, I didn’t know what to order.  I followed along and ordered Chardonnay wine.  Sting, burn and bite hit my palate like a bomb.  After a couple of glasses the taste was barely noticeable.

Over time I began to discover other drinks, Margaritas, Harvey Wallbangers, etc.  Anything fruity worked nicely for me.  I vowed never to have that white wine again!

 As I began my trip back to wine, I’d try and give Chardonnay a chance.  I just didn’t enjoy this much loved wine.  After all, Chardonnay is the number one white wine in America.  I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me.  I pretty much stayed away from the wine.

One day I walked into Cambria winery in Santa Maria, CA.  Their wine list was full of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  I love a good Pinot Noir, but decided to go outside my comfort zone.  I gave their Chardonnay’s a try.  It was magic!  I never had a Chardonnay with such flavors with complexity and the perfect balance of acidity. 

Then I stopped at Riverbench Winery who had a selection of 4 Chardonnay’s to choose.  Again, these Chardonnay’s were not like any I’ve ever tasted.

I began to wonder what happened for such a change.  Then I realized that most bars and restaurants do a great disservice to Chardonnay.  These establishments serve cheap white wine/Chardonnay to their customers.  It’s a shame that with such a wonderful, exciting wine most newbie wine drinkers have cheap Chardonnay served to them in bars.

Please keep trying Chardonnay, one day like me, you will find the wonders of the glass.

Note:  Chardonnay is also widely planted in Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coast, including the regions of Monterey, Santa. Rita Hills and the Santa Lucia Highlands.  Learn more about Chardonnay.