Chardonnay, pinot show their class

GEELONG wine enthusiasts can finetune their pinot noir and chardonnay knowledge at upcoming masterclasses.

At Austins & Co, marketing manager Belinda Austin said a blind tasting of chardonnays from Australia and New Zealand on October 7 would be highlighted with a special drop from the most famous of the Old World regions: Burgundy in France.

“Eight out of 10 people who come to our cellar doors these days say they’re not a big fan of chardonnay but when I get them to taste it, most are surprised how much they enjoy it,” Ms Austin said.

“Wines do come and go in fads, but these days chardonnays aren’t overly oaked, they’re lovely fruit forward focused and this masterclass is a great opportunity for people to taste that.”

Ms Austin said chief winemaker and confessed chardonnay romantic John Durham would guide the interactive tasting session, which would be accompanied by a tasting board from Annie’s Kitchen.

At Scotchmans Hill, a mini masterclass on pinot noir will be held on September 17.

“There will be some rare pinots selected to surprise and delight even the most particular of wine connoisseurs,” a spokeswoman said.

She said the masterclass in the new private tasting room had been prompted by the recent success of the pinot noirs at Scotchmans Hill.