Another New World Chard

ed: This post was originally published in July 2005. I'm on vacation, yo.

I tend to get obsessed with specific wine varieties or regions and focus on them for a while before moving on to others that grab my attention. 

Last summer, it was Rieslings.  The summer before, Viognier. This winter, it was Argentina.  Now it's new world Chardonnay.  My wine focuses tie directly to experiences.  We went to Sonoma recently, where I became enamored with comparing as many of the Chard and Pinot producers that I could (we also brought back a 1/2 case of wines as well).

New world Chards are offensive to French Chard lovers, mainly because they are full of huge yeasty flavors (like buttered popcorn) and oak.  Sometimes, they can be over the top, at the expense of the natural flavors of the grape.  I love French Burgundy, but I also believe there is a taste and flavor appropriate for a range of drinking occassions.  The new world whites are excellent compliments to buttery, savory fish and vegetable dishes throughout the summer.  Further, they are excellent drinking without food. I know that sounds like rubbish, but they are so flavorful that I often enjoy them on their own, with little nibbles here and there.

I am currently enjoying the 2001 Casa Lapostolle, Cuvee Alexandre, from Chile (Cuvee Alexandre, to my tastes, is much better than Lapostolle's other Chard options) .  While I wondered whether 2001 for a Chard would be OK, it is still drinking very well.  And for only $15. You can pick it up right now at Beacon Wines in NYC.

ed: I have tried the 2004 from the same label and am really enjoying it right now as well.  I served it at our June 11 foodie event and received positive reviews of this wine.  Great for summer!