A California Chardonnay is a bold and versatile white wine known for its rich, fruit-forward profile, often showcasing flavors like ripe peach, tropical pineapple, and citrus. Grown in the region’s warm climate, California Chardonnays typically have a fuller body and higher alcohol content than their cooler-climate counterparts. What makes them unique is their balanced use of oak aging, which imparts buttery textures and hints of vanilla, toast, and spice, along with malolactic fermentation that gives the wine its signature creamy, smooth finish. For the drinker, a California Chardonnay offers a luscious experience with both bright fruit and rich, toasty undertones, perfect for pairing with a wide range of foods or enjoyed on its own for its indulgent and approachable character.
Helpful When Making the WineXpert Classic California Chardonnay:
The Classic range wine making kit comes with everything you need to make a California Chardonay style wine that’s perfect for everyday drinking.
Always follow the comprehensive step-by-step instructions included with your kit.
- This is a 4-week kit which means that it will take approximately 4-weeks from the time you set your brew until the time you are able to bottle your wine.
- The kit makes 23-litres total volume.
Additional Ingredients Suggested:
To enhance fermentation and the consistency and quality of your finished product we recomend using a Wine Yeast Nutrient.
Home Wine Making Equipment is Required:
New to wine making? Check out the Vinters Harvest Wine Making Starter Kit.
- Food grade plastic fermentor of no less than 30L (8 US gal) capacity
- 23L (6 US gal) plastic or glass carboy with bung and airlock
- Syphon rod and tubing
- Hydrometer
- Test jar
- Thermometer
- Large mixing spoon
- Winemaking cleaner/sanitizer for the equipment
- 24-30 x 750mL wine bottles with corks or stoppers
Looking for a food match? The WineXpert Classic California Chardonnay goes well with…
1. Roast Chicken: A simple, juicy roast chicken with crispy skin pairs beautifully with the medium body and oak of the Chardonnay.
2. Pan-fried Snapper: The fresh, light flavor of snapper, maybe with a squeeze of lemon, complements the wine’s acidity and medium body.
3. Kumara Chips: The sweetness of kūmara chips brings out the subtle oak notes and adds a bit of texture contrast to the smooth wine.
4. Corn on the Cob: With a bit of butter and maybe some herbs, grilled corn enhances the subtle fruity notes in the Chardonna.
5. Cheese Toastie: A classic Kiwi cheese toastie with melted cheddar or gouda plays off the wine’s medium oak and smooth finish.
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