Why Chardonnay Lovers Might Change Their Minds About ABC

Have you heard of 'Anything But Chardonnay'? It’s a refreshing twist that might just change your view on this classic grape. Trust me!

The Unexpected Delight of ‘Anything But Chardonnay’

If you think all Chardonnays are created equal, then you might want to hear about the latest offering from Kinsbrook Vineyard: ‘Anything But Chardonnay’, affectionately dubbed ABC. With its quirky name, it’s an invitation for even the staunchest Chardonnay critics to take a sip and reconsider their stance. This new multi-vintage creation has sparked my curiosity and opened my eyes to what this grape can truly offer.

Rebecca Dancer, the vineyard’s creative mastermind, acknowledges that Chardonnay gets a bad rap — often thanks to heavily-oaked styles that dominated the 80s and 90s. She shares her insight: "As a grape variety, Chardonnay is extremely neutral and versatile." How many times have we brushed off a wine based on previous bad experiences? For instance, I once had a severely oaked Californian Chardonnay that left me disillusioned. But Dancer insists there’s so much more than meets the eye!

What excites me about this wine is how Kinsbrook aims to blend two harvests — 40% from 2023 and 60% from 2022 — resulting in greater complexity while maintaining zippiness inherent in English wines. In doing so, they challenge preconceived notions by presenting something utterly different.

A Fresh Approach to Winemaking

Nestled within Thakeham’s heavy clay soil, Kinsbrook’s vineyard benefits from rich mineral content which enhances ripeness in their grapes. It was intriguing to learn from Rebecca that this environment brings out tropical fruit notes which shine brightly in their unoaked wines as well.

Now venturing into oaking for the first time with ABC, Kinsbrook decided on reconditioned French oak after recognizing its ability to elevate flavor profiles beautifully without overwhelming them—a gamble that paid off spectacularly when we sampled straight from the barrel at an exclusive tasting event.

Can you imagine freshly-toasted buttered popcorn mingling with delightful hints of stone fruits? That was our revelation! The tasting experience unfolded memories like unearthing long-lost treasures tucked away at family gatherings.

Perfect Pairing Moments Await!

During my visit to Kinsbrook Farmhouse restaurant, I savored their incredible sea bream dish paired impeccably with ABC. There was magic in watching flavors fuse together; roasted celeriac met creamy truffle sauce and delicate tempura anchovies—a union inviting taste buds into pure bliss!

The food complement made complete sense: it reflected Dancer’s own assessment regarding rich dishes pairing brilliantly with buttery textures in the wine itself.

It’s fascinating how exploring unique pairings deepens our understanding of flavors while celebrating culinary creativity alongside thoughtful winemaking techniques! It’s these moments—those exhilarating gustatory awakenings—that ignite my passion as both a writer and self-proclaimed foodie.

FAQ Section

What makes ‘Anything But Chardonnay’ different?
It offers diverse flavor notes beyond traditional oaky styles and celebrates nuanced pairings showcasing versatility across culinary landscapes.

Where can I find this innovative wine?
Look for it directly through Kinsbrook Vineyard, where each bottle tells an enticing story waiting for eager sippers!

Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash