Michelini Wines

2021 Chardonnay

THE other day I watched an old episode of a Rick Stein where he was travelling the British countryside in search of quality local produce.

A weathered cheese-maker snorted at the idea her artisan dairy products were special; insisting cheese was a simple food people should be eating every day of their lives.

She sliced off a chunk of her tasty and shared it with Rick who looked the same 20 years ago as he does now - and they marvelled at the simple cheese, made the way it has always been done.

It reminded me that new wine varieties and fussy food fads come and go, but classics stand the test of time and will always have a place, because they are good and we like them.

I thought that while enjoying a glass of Michelini Wines Chardonnay.

The Alpine Valley fruit was harvested in the cool of night and pressed lightly to preserve its freshness.

The bright, straw-coloured wine has the aroma of creamy stone fruit and citrus blossom.

The flavour is more melon fruity, but it zings with sparky lemon and lime acidity which is bright and refreshing.

It’s only a little later you notice the backdrop of creamy nougat that echoes around your mouth, something that would amplify over years if you could resist opening it.

Its freshness now makes it ideal with white fish like fried snapper or grilled scallops, but it’s also lovely with an aged tasty or a Brie-style cheese.

Some things - if made well - stand the test of time. About $22.