Global Masters Wine of the Week: A Gold-standard Chardonnay that won’t break the bank

Every week we select a wine that picked up either a Gold or Master from our competition series, and tell you why the judges loved it. Enter the Global Masters and this could be your wine.

We recently published the results of our Chardonnay Masters 2019. While we do appreciate the high-end, masterfully crafted white wines of Burgundy, we discovered there are some very, very good alternatives coming out of the New World that don’t break the bank.

The judges thoroughly enjoyed the classic stone fruit flavours of apricot and peach in this “Burgundian” style Chardonnay, with one judge picking up the creamy, gentle aroma of persimmon. Others noted its smooth texture and overall balanced execution. Our fine wine editor Rupert Millar, who took part in this year’s blind tasting, said the nose carried some enticing “low level vanilla” without being overpowering. On the palate, though, the wine was “well put together and complex” with a brisk acidity and a subtle hint of lemon pie.

The aromas aren’t overpowering in this wine, so if you’re planning to serve it with dinner this weekend, go for something just as subtle and warming. The vanilla and stone fruit notes, and fresh acidity are a perfect match for creamy sauces, and lemon flavours in wines are a natural companion for chicken. While we’re still in the depths of winter, we think this is the ideal pairing for a chicken and leek pie, or maybe even raclette, if you’ve got a grill handy…

The wine: Tempus Two Copper Series Wilde Chardonnay

The source: Adelaide Hills and Hunter Valley, Australia

The grape(s): Chardonnay (100%)

ABV: 13%

Method: 100% barrel fermented in French oak

The style: A dry, barrel-aged, modern take on a Burgundian white wine

The winemaker: Andrew Duff

The price: Around £10-£20. Amazon is selling a case of three for just under £38.

The medal: Gold – The Chardonnay Masters 2019

Click here to find out more about our 2019 Chardonnay competition.

With high quality judges and a unique sampling process, the Global Wine Masters provides a chance for your wines to star, whether they hail from the great vineyards of Europe or lesser-known corners of the New World.

It’s a competition dedicated to making winners out of winemakers.

Please visit the Global Masters website for more information, or please call +44 (0)20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Raichura at: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com