Down Under wines tend to be known for big, bold red flavours such as Shiraz, but move over and make way for Chardonnay!
No, the ‘h’ is not silent like Kath and Kim would have you believe…the 2024 vintage has revealed that this golden-hued white wine has overtaken Shiraz with an increase of 31% in the yield. At 333,000 tonnes, Chardonnay grapes exceeded the 298,000 tonnes of Shiraz crushed – in fact, Shiraz production plummeted 14 % to its lowest level since 2007 when drought decimated crops.
It is only the second time in a decade Chardonnay has outperformed Shiraz – in 2013 it briefly held the title before falling behind again in a short space of time. The drop in Shiraz production is nationwide and many wine experts are suggesting growers slowed their harvesting after nearly four years of China's tariffs on Australian wine.
Here are three Australian award-winning Chardonnays from ALDI to taste test for yourself:
This is a quality cool climate wine at a hard-to --believe price. It has creamy white stone fruits and a touch of minerality, complexity and interest. Light to medium body makes this wine a great match for roast chicken – try this epic tarragon roast chicken recipe, paired with a glass of One Road for your next Sunday dinner.
This is a great value everyday Chardonnay, fresh, light to medium-bodied and fruity with citrus, melon and white stone fruit flavours. An easy-drinking wine that won’t break the bank, pair this white with seafood such as Guy Turland’s Marry Me salmon for a perfect dish to warm up cold nights.
This multi-award-winning Adelaide Hills Chardonnay is fresh and delicate with citrus blossom, white peach and nectarine, while the oak is very well integrated and the wine, fresh and full of flavour; make this twice-cooked pork belly stir fry for a midweek dinner and enjoy with an ice-cold glass of this delicious white wine.
This Chardonnay won a Silver Medal for the 2023 Vintage at the 2024 Berlin Wine Competition.
