Recommendation: Nice “New-World” Chardonnay without the overpowering creaminess.
Winery/Producer: Bodega Catena Zapata; Mendoza, Argentina.
Grape Variety: Chardonnay.
Geographic Region, Appellation: Mendoza, Argentina.
Vintage: 2011
Price: $69.00
Purchased From: The Britannia Restaurant, on board the Queen Mary 2.
Paired With: Grilled salmon fillet with carrot and cumin puree, sesame bok choy and lemongrass sauce and spinach and green beans; Gazpacho appetizer.
Tasting:
He said: Chilled before opening. Clear, very light wheat straw color. Oak and vanilla aromas. Strong vanilla taste with hints of oak. It finishes medium long with nice acidity that picks it up and gives it a nice freshness. OK drinking alone, but it was perfect with the wild caught salmon. The intensity of the vanilla in the aroma and taste is a bit much, but it finishes well and it’s a wine I would buy again. If you like a Chardonnay that has lots of vanilla but not creamy this might be a good choice.
She said: Mild oaky aroma followed by a stronger oak and vanilla flavor that was pleasing to my taste although not fashionable any more. With a fairly light body it lacks creaminess and has a nice crispness that complements the flavors in the long finish. Delicious with the salmon pairing. Avoid the gazpacho and spinach with this wine.
Comments: This wine was purchased on board the Queen Mary 2 at restaurant prices. Unless we feel strongly about the price we will direct our comments at the quality of the wine recognizing that it should be possible to purchase it for (two or three times) less at a wine store.
Alcohol: 14%
Bar code: 7 794450 008169
Imported by: Bibendum Wine Ltd.; London, United Kingdom.