Knightor Winery
Chardonnay 2019
£18.00
Tamlyn Currin for Jancis Robinson.Tasted blind. Apples and grapefruit nose, a gauzy suggestion of fine, fine spice and then, to my surprise, not quite dry! Not at all what I was expecting in this line of determinedly (at times to their own cost) dry Chardonnays and not at all bad! Almost Mosel-like lime, with a floral-nectar sweetness. Clementine, ripe apple, delicate white peach and a spring honey note. This has shy charm and lovely balance and is so, so pretty! Honeysuckle and jasmine and apple blossom florals. White peach. Gentle. A very valid style for English Chardonnay. Courageous. And, I have to confess, so delicious that while I managed to taste all the other Chardonnays several times over more than a week, this baby got hoovered up in three days. Slam drunk?
Wine: Still WhiteGrape Variety: Chardonnay
Body: Light
Sweetness: Dry
Alcohol: 11.5%
Character: Dry and crisp
Aromas: Green apple and wild flowers
Flavours: Apple and citrus
Style: Reminiscent of a Petit Chablis
Vinification: Only a small amount of still Chardonnay was made in 2019. A greater proportion was used in sparkling wine production as the cooler ripening ment it was best suited for this. The grapes were pressed, cool fermented, 60% in stainless steel and 40% oak barrels. These were left to age for 5 months after which they were blended and bottled in the Spring of 2020. Winemakers notes:
Just a small amount of Chardonnay was suitable for still winemaking due to high acidity levels. This Chardonnay is delicate and crisp, showing very good balance and gentle apple and lemongrass. The oak influence is very subtle as the barrels used were 3rd fill or older. This Chardonnay is perfect on a warm summers day, or with light nibbles.
