TALES OF VARIETALS VOLUME 1 CHARDONNAY’S ABC

that is well-suited to oak aging, which adds depth and complexity to the finished wine and is one of the characteristics of age worthy white wines.

Hin are the Chablis Premier Cru “Fourchaume” AOC by Gerard Tremblay or the Meursault by Domaine Faiveley.

Say hello to Hua Hin Today’s new monthly wine column— written by Hua Hin based sommelier, Thierry Berno, Branch & Showroom Manager at Italasia Hua Hin.

Each month, Thierry will share his expert advice and knowledge as he delves deeper to explain different grape varietals.

This month, Thierry looks at the many faces of Chardonnay - arguably one of the most polarizing wines in the world.

Ah, Chardonnay. The grape varietal that elicits strong reactions from wine drinkers everywhere. Love it or hate it, there's no denying that Chardonnay is one of the most popular and widely planted white wine grapes in the world.

Although its origins are quite murky this polarizing grape is thought to have originated in the Burgundy region of France and it quickly spread to other parts of the world. Today it can be found in just about every wine-producing region on the planet.

Much like Chenin Blanc it is a versatile grape that can be made into a wide range of wine styles. From crisp and refreshing to rich and buttery, Chardonnay can do it all. It's also a grape

So, when I hear people tell me that they will drink ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) I always try to figure out what aspect of the Chardonnay they didn't like to offer a recommendation because I believe in another interpretation of the acronym ABC (Anyone Befits Chardonnay)

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Chardonnay is its tendency to undergo malolactic fermentation, also known as "MLF." This process converts the grape's naturally high levels of malic acid (think of the tartness you get from biting into a green apple) into lactic acid, which gives Chardonnay its signature creamy, buttery flavors. Some wine drinkers love the richness that MLF brings to Chardonnay, while others find it too heavy and overpowering.

Where does that leave us in terms of choosing a Chardonnay? Well, the good news is that there are so many different styles of Chardonnay out there that there's bound to be something for everyone. If you're a fan of crisp, refreshing whites, look for Chardonnays that are fermented in stainless steel tanks rather than oak barrels such as the Louis Max Chardonnay “Les Terres Froides” Languedoc Roussillon VdP or the Villa Angela Marche IGT Chardonnay by Velenosi. These wines tend to be lighter in body and have bright, fruity flavors.

On the other hand, if you love a rich, buttery Chardonnay, look for wines that have undergone MLF and have spent some time aging in oak barrels. These wines will have a fuller body and flavors of butter, vanilla, and oak. Good examples available in Hua

But let's not forget about the other important factor in Chardonnay: where it's grown. Just like with any other grape, the terroir (or the specific combination of soil, climate, know-how and other growing conditions) can have a huge impact on the flavors and characteristics of the wine. Chardonnays from cooler climates, like Chablis in France or the Russian River Valley in California, tend to be leaner and more mineraldriven, while Chardonnays from warmer regions, like Napa Valley in California or the Hunter Valley and Margaret River in Australia, can be riper and more fruit-forward. Examples available in Hua Hin are The Snitch by The Prisoner Wine Company (Napa Valley) or the Devil’s Lair The Hidden Cave Margaret River Chardonnay.

So, the next time you're faced with a sea of Chardonnay options at your local wine shop, don't be afraid to ask for some guidance. And don't be afraid to try something new – you never know, you might just discover your new favorite Chardonnay!

And if all else fails, just remember: it's just wine. It's not the end of the world if you don't like a particular bottle. In fact, it's all part of the fun of discovering new wines and finding out what you do and don't like. So go forth and explore the wonderful world of Chardonnay – and don't take it too seriously. After all, it's just grapes, yeast, and a little bit of magic. So, let's raise a glass of Chardonnay and cheers to that!

Italasia Hua Hin

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097 415 4245 (English, French, Korean) email: br-huahin@ italasiagroup.com

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